Archive for the ‘Cinematic Piano’ Category

Spencer Stanley is a composing musician who first developed his love for the piano during his elementary school years. Composing musical scores during junior high was a constant activity and form of creative enjoyment for him. Spencer’s performance in school bands, jazz bands and orchestras reflect his own compositional phrasing on his 2010 Midnight Orchestra debut album.

Midnight Orchestra has a Classic Piano, Contemporary Instrumental & New Age presentation. This album contains 11 pieces which takes listeners into the depths of melodic piano flow, with appealing resonances of strings, some woodwinds and lively percussion rhythms on snare and timpani drums. I was really impressed with his talents, along with the performing instrumentalist in accompaniment. Songs from Midnight Orchestra are currently being played on various internet radio stations, and his YouTube videos feature the song Velocity, and the title song.

Spencer Stanley has received training in piano, trumpet and French horn during his high school years. His scholastic studies earned him top scores in ensembles and orchestras in competitions throughout the state. He is currently attending Brigham Young University for academic studies, and was selected an all-star youth musician with the Utah Symphony. Even though his background skills are centered on brass instruments, these songs are comprised of mainly piano, strings, and percussion rhythms blend remarkably well by their light melodic harmony.

Midnight Orchestra is compiled of songs Spencer composed and co-orchestrated with Dave Zimmerman during their high school years. It has Spencer on piano and Dave Zimmerman on percussion, with other musicians he became friends with over the years; Andrea Hughes (violin) Natachia Li (cello) and Sophie Stanley (classical guitar). Together these musicians have produced an impressive instrumental album, and I am sure you will reach the same conclusion.

Visit Spencer Stanley on his Facebook page. Sample or purchase his at Amazon.com and iTunes.

When you unite the Cinematic Piano talents of award winning Marc Enfroy with the production abilities of Billboard-charting musicians 2002, the conclusive result is a work of music bound to be a success. Arriving with this creative transformation in contemporary instrumental music is the impression a new and innovative sound entity has just been born.

Marc Enfroy has released his third Cinematic Piano album Unconditional, and the newly formed alliance with Randy and Pamela Copus of 2002 certainly does deliver a rather unique chord in piano and Contemporary Instrumental fanfare. Already admired for their singular inspiring melodies, the union of their two unique styles into one creation of beauty is exemplary.

Marc Enfroy’s music career had first emerged after the death of his sister Suzanne Whiting to cancer, but it was from this profound loss his progressive music legacy arose. Finding his inspiration in memory of Suzanne, Marc proceeded to compose music for the senses just like a painter would use brushstrokes to fill in the empty spaces on white canvas, and as it turned out, Marc indeed has the gift of a true artisan.

His Solo Piano debut Unbounded acquired Best Neo-Classical award in the ZMR Lifestyle Music Awards in 2008, and Best New Artist nomination. Awakening was the second colorful music portraiture, with classic orchestrations by Janet Sullins on violin, Jack Chen on flute, and vocals by Jillian Aversa. Awakening was also an award finalist which aired on many popular Internet radio stations worldwide.

Unconditional will be unveiled to the public when released on March 1 2011. The 10 song classics display Contemporary Instrumental orchestrations and fine piano detailing expertly blended with flute, strings, bell tones and chorales, with admirable performances by Jack Chen on flute and Pamela Copus on vocals.

If you are familiar with both Marc Enfroy and 2002, then you can imagine this new arrival in Cinematic Piano, Instrumental and celestial soundscapes is the ultimate music experience. While I can only speculate on the success of this, or any album, I can give you the assurance Unconditional is a passionate creation and absolute beauty that was empowered by design to take flight, in uplifting music made to celebrate life.

Visit marcenfroy.com to sample / purchase or Amazon.com page. Visit Randy & Pamela Copus at 2002music.com.

Cover art courtesy Marc Enfroy.

During times of war most sovereign nations remain dependent on men and women serving in the military for defense and protection of their country.  While protecting the freedoms and individual rights of private citizens, returning soldiers acquire imbedded memories that last a lifetime and clearly the grandest memory of them all is during the homecoming when reunited with their families.

Peter Jennison is a U.S. Army Captain and MEDEVAC helicopter pilot returning from active duty during the war in Iraq with revealing memories he witnessed from a firsthand perspective.  An American living at home in Florida now, his latest CD composed during the time period he served in Iraq is meant to evoke imagery of the conflict as a more peaceful musical experience for every listener, along with providing renewing therapy for soldiers and families upon their return home from service.

Longing For Home ( Songs From War ) is a New Age Contemporary Instrumental release Peter Jennison composed for piano with renown musicians supplying refined instrumentals in most of the 10 songs.  This album also has the notation of being a Will Ackerman production and with Corin Nelsen providing the mixing and mastering, their Grammy Award winning expertise can be perceived as a winning strategy by the quality work they produce.

In another strategic move, Peter Jennison enlisted highly recognized artists on his album including Jeff Haynes on percussion, Eugene Friesen on cello and Steve Schuch on violin.  In addition, Will Ackerman performs on guitar in one song and vocalist Noah Wilding gives soft vocals on two songs.  This album also holds the honor of being some of the last performances given by the late Tom “ T-Bone “ Wolk, a highly regarded multi instrumentalist remembered in part by his outstanding talents.

War  is a song with lighter phases in the beginning that build with increasing drama as piano, violin and percussion recreate a battlefield image during a dramatic illustration projected within the arrangement.  Nicely shown by a precise context, increasing tempo and percussion rhythms project distant artillery rounds, where chest moving recoil and ejecting shell casings seem all too real.

Peter Jennison composed his album with much regard to stories from the heart and mind.  This is apparent in his compositions where most songs portraying a tranquil atmosphere with a strong sense of drama and emotion can be easily felt and is consistent, during his solo piano expressions and in songs with instrumental refrains. 

Performing on a Steinway B, the emotional feel of 4 Solo Piano songs;  Hold Me in Your Heart, The Promise, Anthem & Longing For Home ( Title Song ) are classic and uplifting yet each one holds a certain melancholy as if telling of the days spent apart from family and the additional weight of uncertainty this carries.

The piano and instrumentals of violin during Time Passage convey this more poignant feeling where piano, cello and bass in High Mountain Dreams has a relaxing atmosphere.  The bass guitar and piano duet band together as one in moving song Desert Storms, then a piano melody combined with, guitar, violin and vocals in The One breaks into a resolute wave of harmony, in music finely empowered to portray the sentiment most of us will never experience firsthand.

Longing For Home ( Songs From War ) is indeed told from a U.S. soldier’s perspective, made more real since this story is voluntarily given by someone who has honorably faced and met the challenges war can bring.  And while recounting American men and women risking all in service to their country, reverent tribute is given to those lives we honor in memorandum of, also celebrating the virtues of every U.S. soldier as a regular citizen and a beloved family member.

Visit peterjennisonmusic.com to learn more.  You can sample / purchase at his CDBaby.com page or Digstation.com page.

Note :  A portion of the proceeds from every album sold will be given to charities that support veterans and their families.

Picture copyright BigStockPhoto.com – JustASC

Marc Enfroy has released a new single titled Acceptance. It is a song about coming to terms with something you’ve been facing in your life and gaining the strength to move on. The song is full of emotion and gradually builds to a big climactic finish. Do check it out!

Acceptance is now available for preview and download at MarcEnfroy.com/listen-own The song will in the future be available at iTunes and Amazon – but is at the moment only available at the above mentioned address.

And while talking about Marc Enfroy; his new CD is in the final mixing phase, and we will tell you more as soon as we know it!

Some young adults begin their early working careers by taking whatever job is at hand and find the road to success.  Some hope to achieve the road to success when handed the family business.  Either decision requires talent and determination of course, but the universal message often heard about either choice is to always have your individual hopes and dreams.

Gunnar Madsen from Berkley California has achieved an impressive level of success most would hope for at this stage of his bright career.  You can visit his website to learn all about his career choices through the years and I feel his grand success as a Grammy Nominated pianist and award winning composer, singer, writer, sound designer, filmmaker and actor are career decisions that might have even impressed his family.

Two Hands is the New Age, Cinematic Piano, Instrumental 2010 release from Gunnar Madsen and eighteenth CD he has produced.  This album is a more especial and innermost portrayal of his musical works in relation to his earlier compositions with the a capella group he founded called The Bobs.  His first solo album Spinning World is a closer likeness with Two Hands, in a uniquely diverse discography that includes award winning family CDs, an Epic Orchestral recording and even a pop art Rock album titled The Power of a Hat.

The recipient of countless music and theatre awards, his Grammy Nomination was for a song arrangement by The Beatles and has received ASCAP Awards for 15 consecutive years, plus his music is featured in some episodes of the widely popular HBO series Sex and the City and films Breaking the Rules, A Special Providence, The Break Up & Just a Kiss.  Gunnar Madsen also does voiceovers, providing the film voice for Don Cheatle when he portrayed Sammy David Jr. in the Emmy Award winning HBO film The Rat Pack and this is just a partial listing of many credits during his career so far.

Two Hands was recorded at the industry regarded Skywalker Sound Studio and includes 16 songs total.  Three songs have contrasting instrumentals where notable guest violinist Irene Sazer, a member of the improvisational Jazz and Classical group Turtle Island String Quartet lends her elegant expressions.

The first violin portrayal by Irene Sazer on Kerenyl  is more subtle while gently tracing the melodic depth on strings as Gunnar leads on piano.  Ordinary Day & Red Bird make a beautiful piano and string duet from the pair, extending the symmetrical harmony on each song while interblending into a narrative full of melodic drama.

Solo Piano ballads of Cinematic proportions are the sequential songs where Gunnar reveals the innermost reflections of his work and in a manner of classic distinction.  Outlined with a conceptual feeling of depth, some of the more melodramatic and intriguing phrasing performed on songs like Nino and Me, Down Moon & South Trail are offered with a personalized touch.

Frank Grows Flowers responds with an upbeat tempo and imaginative runs while dancing along the piano keys in every measure and the lighter reflective moments, yet none the less expressive songs The Blackbird Whistling, Brandon & Oak Sky are more introspective in their structuring.

Break into Blossom begins with a lighter metrical sway and soon unfolds into bolder imagery by exploring a more robust presentation of greater intensity before returning into restful state of contentment and has a resemblance in style with In These Lonely Regions & Down Moon, given the more pronounced dynamics of diminuendo and crescendo variances.

Much like the memoir notes on the inside album cover detailing each composition, Gunnar Madsen traces every song on Two Hands with a gifted accounting of his diverse imagination while delivering a beautiful finger to key statement and like the valuable reward of success that is never just handed to anyone, it all began from the talent and determination of an individual who started with and continues to have, hopes and dreams.

Visit gunnarmadsen.com to sample / purchase or visit his CDBaby.com page.  You can also purchase at Amazon, iTunes and most music outlets.  Read more about Gunnar Madsen on his biography page.

Picture copyright BigStockPhoto – jocelynbaker

Good news to all Marc Enfroy’s many fans; now you can sample 10 songs from his upcoming album! If you already are a member of his newsletter, you only have to check your email inbox and follow the provided link to sample the music. If you’re not a member here yet, you have to go to MarcEnfroy.com and input your information in the blue box to the left. Your email is safe with Marc, so don’t worry!

Marc also asks you to rate the brand new songs – so just listen, relax and tell him what you think in the online survey.

See our previous articles about this fine artist here.

Today’s computer enhanced technology is amazing, and when skillful composing is combined with live performers and instrumentals, the resulting musical outcome can become a creation of natural beauty.

Timothy Crane is an artist title using a creative touch with the music technology of today by composing piano music, then adding key instrumentals along with orchestra effects that become full structured works of music he and his close friends enjoy creating. 

Dragonfly is the second release where Timothy plays a leading role as pianist and co-producer of his second album, along with Jason Rowsell who also played bass and mixing.  Friends Rick Henly performs on guitar and percussion effects, while Ryan Day engineered and mixed the album.  Having one last credit I don’t want to miss, Jason Rowsell’s young daughter has a cameo role by quietly laughing on cue during the beginning of song, A Child’s Goodnight. 

The Other Life I Dream is the first album I enjoyed equally from this talented group.  When asking Timothy what was the primary objective on this current release, and what set Dragonfly apart from the first album.  Here is his reply :

With Dragonfly, my focus was more on composition.  Each piece reflects an attempt to craft an instrumental tune that is memorable, unique to the overall album, and noticeably piano-driven, produced by independent musicians who want nothing more than to continue to create and play music.     Timothy Crane

Dragonfly is where I discovered more natural forms of instrumentation become closely acquainted with an animated entity in 11 song classics.  A few songs carry the rhythmic tones that might remind some of a highly recognized female artist at first glance, but I soon found each song is composed with a singular structuring in each melody belonging in a modern New Age, Piano, Instrumental, Cinematic theme.

Dragonfly indeed takes flight with first song  2×2.  In a graceful piano based dance of the keys, a real beauty of a melody greatly captures your attention by the upper tempo modern rhythms.  Well placed staccato notes from strings carry this steady motion while wonderful orchestration carries the appropriate rhythms that lead to a natural form of musical attraction.

Sylvan Grove holds much of the same beauty by piano leading in an upbeat theme while horns and strings inscribe a smooth blend into another most positive melody.  Higher octave piano notes in Star Cross Moon are the first gentle indications of a nice correlation in melodic shades, and when numerous major to minor key changes make a full emotional presence felt during refrains, the result is gratifying.

A Child’s Goodnight is a playful theme that soon matures in a full chord and heartfelt movement, while Salish Sunset in again, a more moderate tempo, along with light recollections in piano phrasing, join with oboe to impart warm tones to the overall picture.

Theft in Eb Major is more of a classic thought in composition with major and minor chords extending vibrant hues while building momentum.  Woodwinds warm breezy notes blend with background choral vocals to instill a more celestial feel with this song.

Theme of Rachel Scott is another focal point where medium range keystrokes give way to lower chords feel of depth and richness, blending nicely with orchestration to become one beautiful entity.  Vasilissa the Beautiful entertains a most peaceful beginning only to be suddenly interrupted by an enthralling performance from piano, choir, and deep thunderous percussion, quickly taking flight as if suddenly startled from a comfortable resting place.

Title song Dragonfly is an impassioned piano solo signaling the finale of this lightly animated album, in a conclusion where I felt every colorful detail was closely examined while producing this incorporated album, becoming the right choice for many people desiring popular music creations having a natural attraction.

Visit timothycrane.com website to sample / purchase, or at his CDBaby.com page.

Picture Copyright Bigstockphoto – FOTOCROMO

In his newsletter Marc Enfroy write the following about the album he is currently working on:

As I assessed where my current CD project was heading, it became clear that I needed to quiet things down and go for a softer, more therapeutic sound…warmer, healing and a bit less classical.  With the help of some new computer hardware, I’ll be reworking the material I’ve already written and writing some new songs.  In all likelihood, I’ll use a different alias name for this softer style (so it doesn’t get confused with my work as a composer).  Don’t worry, it will still be the same melodic and heartfelt music you’re used to, just expressed a little differently. 

To me that sounds awesome! I am sure the new album will be yet another proof that Marc Enfroy is one of the finest new stars of new age music.

If you are one of Marc Enfroy’s many fans, you better pay attention now. Marc writes on Facebook:

I’ll be giving a sneak preview of a few songs from my upcoming album to my newsletter subscribers in the near future. If you’re not a subscriber yet, visit Marcenfroy.com and enter your details in the blue box on the left titled “Get Free Music.”

That sounds very exciting! We all better check it out. There is nothing like an exclusive pre-listening of an upcoming album.

The Summer season has just improved by the release from a music team living in the second largest country in the world.  This country shares the longest common border with the United States from East to West then North to South, in a federation comprised of 10 provinces and 3 territories.

Canada is the geographical location of 2 New Age artists who make up the artist title of Anewday.  Their discography includes Autumn Musings, the newest release Summer Reflections plus 2 more are promised to complete the 4 seasons.  I have listened to both albums and must say their music is very exciting and everyone should look forward to every release from Anewday since these 2 musicians are more than just a pretty good team.

Anewday was formed several years ago by Rob Miller and Ron Huestis who now reside in the Southeastern Coastal providence in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Rob composes and plays the piano, while Ron provides the orchestrations, each performing their part in a meeting of minds between these great friends who both have roots in Classical music.

Anewday has done very well with their Summer Reflections.  The abundant piano and orchestration gives a variety of moods that transition wonderfully throughout the entire album, giving New Age fans some great music to enjoy this Summer, and the complete 4 seasons in our future.

This Canadian team’s first album Autumn Musings was nominated for 4 NAR lifestyle awards, ending up in the final round as Best New Artist in 2007, which is not a surprise after listening to their first album with a slightly more Contemporary Piano tone.

Summer Reflections is their current release now making an impact on the public by a beautiful blend of Classical Piano Orchestration in a Contemporary, Celtic, and a great Cinematic influence.  There are some interesting angles to this album, having a variety of Orchestra and Piano Instrumental pieces along with some in a light Celtic flavor, in a distinct balance that is pleasing to everyone and many songs that could easily become a beautiful score in the perfect movie soundtrack.

While the Providence of Nova Scotia is a long distance from the Northwest Passage, many songs made me think of the present changes and political issues occurring in the upper most reaches of Canada, where melting ice packs due to global warming is creating a new expansion for the shipping industry in what was once impassable frozen wilderness.

The song Future Beginnings starts with a single piano note phrase in a Contemporary Celtic tone, when several measures later, orchestra begins to build then breaks into powerful crescendos with strings and woodwinds.  Over and over again, then wave after wave of emotion come crashing down in a moderate tempo theme, creating thoughts of ice breaking vessels carving a new trade route in the Northwest Passage, where tidal waves of piano and orchestra movements first break together in strong dramatic sweeps, and then gently give way and flow beside one another in a new harmonious way.

Whispering Streams is a powerful and dignified song, exemplifying the indigenous Inuit people who habitat the Northwest territories in the Arctic Region.  Beginning with a wonderous piano scale melody, the Inuit lifestyle, traditions, and culture can be shown by the dignified piano note movements that trickle in upper octaves with calm and solitude.

When full orchestra enters, an element of beauty and danger is notably presented by the evolving tone, sharply contrasting with the natural beauty of the region by strings that echo the piano melody.  When the symphonic orchestra begins a dramatic back and forth rhythm in a contrasting melody, a wondrous new element of cinematic intensity emerges while upper octave piano boldly enters, telling of the evironmental hazards that are also present in this narration.  The piano movements in the upper most ranges confirm the skills acquired over centuries needed for survival in this beautiful yet dangerous environment in the future Arctic sea route.

Visit anewday.ca by clicking here.  Sample at CD Baby, iTunes or Indie Rhythm.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto – Larspowa

The wait for Marc Enfroy’s new album is over: Awakening, the follow up to last year’s Unbounded, is now out. Awakening has the Cinematic Piano sound that made the previous album so popular. But this time around many of the synth instruments are replaced by “real” instruments. This is something that you will notice right away. The albums has a natural, more powerful sound. Contributing artists are vocalist Jillian Goldin Aversa, flutist Jack Chen and violinist Janet Sullins.

We recently interviewed Marc Enfroy about Awakening and the process behind the new album. He said:

Yes, my music it still cinematic piano although you’ll hear other instruments taking more of a lead role. That made the creative process quite different. With Unbounded, it was just me and my keyboard. I’d first write the piano part and then layer on other sounds. When I started working on Awakening, I knew I wanted to take the sound to a new level by incorporating different acoustic instruments. So in many cases, I’d write specifically for that instrument as the lead with piano providing the support.

Sample and buy the album here:

To quote Marc Enfroy: It’s a new day!

It might be surprising to some that literary poetry is thought to predate language in the context of reading, writing, and speaking as a form of communication.  Some important elements of poetry consist of the meter or rhythmic structure of the poem in a measurement involving flow and movement.  Proper structure is also an important component when composing and performing as a musician.

American Contemporary New Age artist Nick Farr, apparently has the proper abilities involving rhythm and structure in both music and poetry since his accomplishments include being a published author of literary poetry, prose, short stories, fiction and children’s books.  His literary career was perhaps second nature to him considering he began classical music studies at age 5 and then pursued music while in college.

Nick Farr has 6 albums total with The Ever Present Now from 2009, on the Riverboy Records label as his latest release.  This latest album held the number 1 and 2 positions in NAR’s Top 100 air wave chart in January and February 2009, with additional nation wide online airplay.  The 12 songs represent a well versed language of music and poetry by this dedicated artist who reaches into genres of Contemporary Instrumental, New Age, Classical Piano, and Jazz.

Produced by Grammy Award winning Randy Kling, this release is more Classical Piano than some of Nick’s previous albums and is a nice medium to display a finer sophisticated mindset without being overly classical.  Generous mixtures of mid tempo Contemporary Instrumental and nice Jazz influences do give it an aesthetic just right feel by employing the free style he is accustomed to in piano arrangements.  Flute, saxophone, horns and strings provide the back drop in some songs, enhancing the classic description and giving it a distinguished tone.

The song Solace is a poetic hopeful song, comforting by the graceful flute and piano duet that seems to incorporate well during melodic phrases, lending a hand by consoling stanzas of support.  It is during these passages that uplifting and inspiring verses with note filled piano runs and flute, reveal patterns of consciously timed pauses between instrumental passages.

The song Traveler is a deep moving piece, set to a faster paced melody that is structured by each key change, transforming each refrain into a sonnet set to musical time, never resting during each chord step along the way.

Winter Prayer is a powerful melodic psalm, paying homage by offering a distinctly elegant classical composition.  Masterfully delivered musical prayer requests are often emphasized in this piece, carefully turning each note into a hymn of reverence.  The artist’s sincerity shines through from the beginning invocation of this song which is heart felt and moving.  Momentary pauses then begin to take place as the final chapter of the song slows, bowing out gracefully upon reaching the closing benediction.

The Ever Present Now by Nick Farr is praiseworthy New Age Classical, embracing all of the structural principals of written prose, leaving one with the impression that his music is thoughtfully displayed in a manner that from the very beginning, deserves the expression of poetry in motion.

Click on the link or visit nickfarr.com for a classic approach to music.

Awakening is the title of Marc Enfroy’s new CD. It will be released June 16, 2009, and contains a soothing blend of piano, flute, violin and ethereal voice. And Marc has a limited pre offer for you: If you order now, you’ll save over 20% on the brand new stressFREE VIP Pack. It contains:

• A copy of AWAKENING signed by Marc
• An all-cotton white t-shirt
• A beautiful 12 oz. pedestal mug
• Special discounts in the new VIP store
• Access to VIP content

Check out more about this offer here.

Marc Enfroy’s new album is entitled Awakening and it will be released on 16 June 2009. But if you cannot wait, why not visit Enfroy’s homepage and sample the album today?

Don’t forget to read our interview with the artist!

Between now and May 10th, you can purchase Marc Enfroy’s debut CD, Unbounded, for only $9.99 at his official online store.

Get the CD that radio broadcasters worldwide voted as the Best Neo-Classical Album in the 2008 New Age Reporter Lifestyle Music Awards.

A frequent criticism of today’s music is that it is soulless and without passion. It is mass produced, uninspired and easily forgotten. Perhaps it is a symptom of the decline of the music industry, or a result of too much computerized music. It is hard to say why, but it is a sorry situation. But then it is even more refreshing to find an artist who creates music rich with feelings and emotions. The album Unbounded by debut artist Marc Enfroy is filled to the brim with emotions of love and joy, but also of loss and grief. It connects with the listener and becomes a soundtrack for both new and old memories. When you press play, it will all come back to you. In this way Unbounded is an incredible release.

Marc Enfroy style can be described as Cinematic Piano. The music is visual, and it makes you think of beautiful sunsets or romantic scenes from movies. It is without a drum beat, like classical music. The rhythm is in the steady stream of tones, sometimes faster and sometimes slower. I am a fan of synths and electronic music in general, and I love the sound on Unbounded; the el piano, synth strings and the other orchestral arrangement (like oboe, cello, crash cymbals and some vocal pads) sound great. Perhaps some listeners would hold that keyboardish sound against the album; it is not as popular as it used to. With a live chamber orchestra and a Steinway piano in the middle, Enfroy’s magnificent melodies would perhaps have had greater appeal. But to me, as a fan of electronic music, the arrangement on Unbounded is more than good enough.
The album consists of 12 tracks, most of them around 4 minutes long. The opening track, Night on the Seine, is a perfect introduction to Enfroy’s style; first you hear the piano, played in a gentle and elegant way. After a minute or so you are introduced to the orchestral arrangements, with several layers of strings and some distant oboes. It is, needless to say, a powerful combination. Here is room for feelings of love or sorrow; it is your state of mind that decides if this music is happy or sad.

In the song’s title, Night on the Seine, is a hint to the Cinematic Piano aspect. When you listen to the song, you almost feel like sailing on the Seine. The boat is silently floating on the river, the warm summer breeze is in your hair and the sun is setting over the glittering water. Close your eyes, and Enfroyâ’s music will take you there.

The title track, Unbounded, is a marvelous track. It starts quietly, slowly gaining more power with both strings and oboes. The ending, three minutes later, has that larger than life-feel, like Chariots of Fire and Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis.

The track number three, The Summit, is a positive song. It has the feel of victory and success, like finally reaching the mountain top after a long and hard climb. There is a very interesting shift of energy around 2min25sec, where Enfroy’s talent is obvious. It has a fantastic ending, filled with positive emotions. I can only imagine how that would have sounded with a full size philharmonic orchestra!

Empire Bluff and Mare Nostrum, track number four and five, are also happy and warm songs. This is music that I think describe the beauty and greatness of nature, either seen from a cliff overlooking Lake Michigan or on a boat on the great Mediterranean Sea.

Kalliopeâ’s Courtyard, track six, has an intro that reminds of classical music, almost like listening to the woodwind section of an orchestra warming up before a concert. The main part of the song is also highly positive. If I were a movie director, I would use this music for the most romantic part of the film. With music like this you don’t need the actors to say the words I love you. It’s already been told by the movie score.

The first time I listened to Unbounded, I had to replay track number seven, Taken Away. I listened to it many times. When I later interviewed Marc Enfroy about the album), I was not surprised to find out that this was in fact the track that started it all. It is so sad and so powerful. It is filled with the feeling of loss, but at the same time an immense gratitude of all the positive memories that will continue to live. Memories in the Sand, Forbidden Island and On to Forever are songs with pleasant melodies. I especially like the sea samples and vocal pads on the intro to Forbidden Island.

The last two tracks on the album, Solitary Journey and Moonlit Dreams, are a little bit melancholic as you can see from the titles. But they are not sad if you don’t want them to. Again it is your state of mind that decides, and I think this is what makes this album great. On Moonlit Dreams Marc uses two new instruments, a low organ and a xylophone (or perhaps the sound of wine glass?). I think the ending is perfect, and it leaves you feeling relaxed and happy.

All in all Unbounded is a truly great debut album. Some may say that it is too much feelings here, too new ageish if you will. This is clearly not an album for everyone. But I think it has lot of potential. Unbounded reminds me of Enya’s piano songs, like From Where I Am on The Memories of Trees (1995) or Miss Clare Remebers on Watermark (1988).

Unbounded’s combinations of piano melodies and orchestral arrangements are perfect for movies, but it can also be the soundtrack of your life. Believe me; you will be moved…

BT Fasmer (*) of NewAgeMusic.nu has interviewed Marc Enfroy about his new album Unbounded:

* I read on your homepage that Unbounded was created after you suffered a terrible loss. Please tell us about this, and how composing music helped you in a difficult situation.

Marc: That’s very true. My older sister, Suzanne, was diagnosed with melanoma cancer in August of 2005 and passed away in February of 2006. It all happened very quickly and was absolutely devastating. The last few years of her life, Suzanne had taken up painting – acrylics and watercolors – and became quite skilled. She left behind over 200 paintings and the artwork has been a source of comfort to the entire family. Aside from her beauty, courage and selflessness as she battled the illness, her paintings are her lasting legacy. This got me thinking that I should follow in my sister’s footsteps and create my own artistic legacy. So, I decided to start composing.

Writing music helped me by providing an outlet for my grief: at times an escape and at other times an expression of my sorrow. It also gave me something positive to pour my emotions into. The first song I wrote was a grieving song titled, Taken Away (track 7 on the album). It’s my attempt at a short soundtrack depicting my sister’s final hours: the dread of what was to come, the reverence of the experience, the heartbreak, and the sudden finality of it all when she was gone. Over time, as the grief lessened, I was able to write music with more positive feelings, such as the title track, Unbounded or Night on the Seine.

* The process of creating a debut album is long. How do you feel now that it is out? And how has it been to meet your audience for the first time?

Marc: It’s been quite an adventure. Early on, I tended to romanticize what it would be like to finally release the album, not thinking about the hard work involved in the initial launch and promotion of a CD. Now that it’s out, I’m definitely relieved and also excited about the response so far. It’s been really fun making connections with people who are moved by the music. I’m finding many music lovers that enjoy relaxing new age music but aren’t fans of most “spa” music that’s devoid of emotion. In addition to that, they also want music with a fuller sound and more passion than solo piano. Then there are the people who like themes from film soundtracks but not necessarily the lengthy background filler that doesn’t make for good listening when isolated from the film itself. So, these are all gaps I’m trying to fill in the new age music genre – writing music that is relaxing like spa music but at the same time grabs your heart and mind with emotional and visual experiences like film soundtracks.

Being relatively unknown at this point, I try to make new connections with music fans by letting them try out a quarter of the album for free. This gives them a risk-free opportunity to become more familiar with my sound. Most people who become curious about my music end up buying the CD after they’ve had some time to sample the free music. So that part has been really fun – watching people progress through the phases of not knowing anything about me, then becoming curious, followed by their pleasant surprise when they realize they love the music and then finally becoming true fans.

I also enjoy connecting with people on my brand new message board community, Secret Island. My most staunch fans are clamoring for a Christmas album which is a definite possibility for my next album in 2009. It might be fun to put a cinematic twist on some of the old favorites.

* You describe your music as “Cinematic Piano”. When you compose music, do you use images or movie scenes as inspiration?

Marc: For sure. I chose the term “cinematic piano” because early on, everyone told me the music was visual and sounded like something from a movie scene. That said, the images don’t necessarily pop into my head before I write the music. Sometimes they do but other times I’ll write a melody first and the imagery comes later. For the track Taken Away, visions of my sister’s final day were prominent in my mind and inspired me to write the music. Contrast that with Empire Bluff which is named after a beautiful, panoramic place. It was initially a melody I wrote and liked. As I was completing it, I realized that it took me away to a place full of beauty and awe, so I named it after a cliff that has stunning views of Lake Michigan.

What I love about composing cinematic music is that it takes each listener to a different place in their mind and heart. It’s a personal reaction or experience triggered by what they hear in the music. The destinations are all unique but extremely meaningful to each listener.

* Tell us about the instruments and equipment you use. Do you play on a keyboard/synth, or do you compose through a sequencer – or both?

Marc: A bit of both. I use a Yamaha Motif synthesizer for a few of the sounds and computer based samples for the orchestral instruments and piano. It’s all sequenced in Cubase. I have an extensive computer background which makes it come fairly naturally; that coupled with a healthy dose of patience to agonize over every note. I tend to make compromises in favor of realism. For example, I might be working on a string section and find that I can’t make the strings sound real enough for my taste so I may replace it with another instrument or layer another solo instrument on top of the string section to make the piece sound more authentic.

* There is a close link between movie scores and classical music. Do you listen to classical music?

Marc: I don’t as much as I used to. In my twenties I listened to Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Dvorak, to name a few. Tchaikovsky is still my favorite classical composer because a lot of his work is strongly emotive stuff. More recently, I’ve been a fan of film composers like James Horner and Alan Silvestri. As I mentioned earlier, the thing I dislike about soundtracks is the long stretches of background filler that you have to listen to until the good part comes. With my music, I strive to write short pieces that are more reminiscent of those “good parts” heard in soundtracks: the main theme that haunts you after the movie is over.

* Will you continue as an independent artist, or would you sign a record deal if it was presented to you?

Marc: I wouldn’t turn down a record deal if it was constructed in the right way. It would all depend on the terms.

* Thank you Marc for taking the time to answer these questions!