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 06/2007

    ARJUN
    Pieces

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Tunnels
    Natural Selection

  • reviewed 01/2009

    THE BAD PLUS
    For All I Care

  • reviewed 10/2009

    DIGITAL PRIMITIVES
    Hum, Crackle, and Pop

  • reviewed 06/2006

    Christian Mc Bride
    Live At Tonic

  • reviewed 10/2009

    Brian O'Neil
    Daisy

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.