When it comes to classical piano music, the award-winning artist/composer Richard Isen brings up “Variations On The River,” a fully immersive piece of music that takes audiences through a sequence of emotions and moods that is unlike anything else on the planet.
As a youth, Richard Isen studied jazz piano and credited Joni Mitchell, Bill Evans, Shirley Horn, Tom Waits, and Tori Amos as influences. He has produced various records, including “Let It Fall,” “9 Songs,” and several original cast recordings of his musical theater work. He has an MFA in Musical Theater from NYU, has been nominated for an Emmy Award, and has received other prizes and fellowships over the years.
Previously a jazz cocktail bar singer, television composer, musical theater experimenter, and software engineer & web pioneer, this singer-songwriter and his piano weave a dreamy, after-hours melancholy with an intelligent, empathetic, and often hilarious view on life and music.
As is customary with Richard Isen, new music appears, and you just know it’ll be worth spending a few minutes with – taking those precious moments to absorb the work in a quiet environment.
“Variations On The River” is a minimalist arrangement in which a calm piano lead and building passion provide the foundation for an emotionally charged progression that invites the mind to wander as the body relaxes into a profound state of relaxation.
Musician and composer Richard Isen has an impressive ability to convey the shifting moods and energies of musical journeys through the use of smooth, wave-like progressions of notes. He also demonstrates a strong sense of artistic individuality with his latest composition, “Variations On The River.”
This is further enhanced by the orchestrated emotion and richness of the playing, which is really astounding musically and produces an almost jazz, cool jazz, or solo piano vibe.
When the tempo and fullness fade and contrast permit quieter periods of thought to connect, we begin to realize the composition’s true aim and completed mood.
With a timeless and identifiable quality, “Variations On The River” is an addicting piece of music that will undoubtedly have listeners going back to lock in for another round of satisfaction.
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