ALICIA MENNINGA

Renewal

2010-06-10

Local pianist and antiques saleswoman Alicia Menninga's third release expands on her first two "Dreamscape" discs -- solo piano with occasional string background to add emotion and light percussion here and there. Alicia calls her songs "dreaming out loud" and she takes off from the opening note of each number and keeps moving up and down the keyboard until the final chord sounds. Each song feels as though she is coaxing you to come along with her on a particular musical journey (and, usually, you're more than willing). Her expressive playing reminds me of Vienna Teng's, but there are no lyrics here to tell you the writer's intent; instead, like her, you're assigned to fill in your own story. The music is expansive enough to handle a variety of dreams, and in this age of bombastic noise and loud opinion, that's a welcome retreat. 06/10 MJVD J-New Age (Instrumental)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 08/2006

    Brisa Roche
    The Chase

  • reviewed 04/2010

    SPEAK
    Speak

  • reviewed 02/2012

    THE IAN CAREY QUINTET +1
    Roads & Codes

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Katie Melua
    Call Off the Search

  • reviewed 09/2015

    Bob Merrill and Roswell Rudd
    Cheerin' Up The Universe

  • reviewed 10/2011

    JOEY DEFRANCESCO
    40

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.