Marc Copland: Alone (2010)

Edward Blanco

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2005

Ed has been a jazz fan for 35 years and hosts a jazz radio program at WDNA 88.9 FM.

Recent articles (377 total)

Published: February 4, 2010

Pianist Marc Copland goes it Alone with his first solo album on the German Pirouet label and the follow-up to his highly regarded Hatology solo disc, Time Within Time (2005). Alone follows the last of his New York Trio recordings Night Whispers (2009), where the pianist was joined by bassist Drew Gress and drummer Bill Stewart; and his most recent duet of 13 soft impressionistic pieces with fellow Pirouet recording artist, bassist Gary Peacock, Insight (2009). After performing with the classic trios and then downsizing to a duet format, Copland decides to fly solo and deliver a more personal touch with his unique lyrical approach to the piano.

The internationally recognized jazz pianist presents an intimate musical portrait, revealing a bit of his soul with tender interpretations of such tunes as Mal Waldron's opening "Soul Eyes," "I Should Care" from Sammy Cahn, and Branislaw Kaper's "Hi Li Hi Lo." He does include a few of his own compositions, the most ambitious being a lengthy rendition of the title track from his Night Whispers trilogy, with "Into The Silence" and "Blackboard" completing the pianist's contribution of original material.

Alone's unexpected surprise is the inclusion of three songs from Canadian singer/songwriter and folk-rock pioneer, Joni Mitchell, whose music has often been considered intricate and unconventional. Copland's interpretations of Mitchell's "I Don't Know Where I Stand," "Rainy Night House," and "Michael From Mountain," are airy and melancholic yet lush and almost powerful at the same time. There are no quick shifting key-vamps, funky rhythms, or blood-rushing electric piano passages; Alone offers gentler tonal language, allowing Copland to share a more personal musical experience. Soft, mellow, and light are all appropriate adjectives to describe the music found here.

Track Listing: Soul Eyes; I Don't Know Where I Stand; Night Whispers; Into The Silence; Rainy Night House; I Should Care; Fall; Blackboard; Michael From Mountain; Hi Li Hi Lo.

Personnel: Marc Copland: piano.

Record Label: Pirouet Records
Style: Modern Jazz