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)Tin Hat
The Sad Machinery of Spring
HENRY BUTLER, STEVE BERNSTEIN AND THE HOT 9
VIPER'S DRAG
MILES DAVIS
The Complete On the Corner Sessions
STEW CUTLER
After Hours
Dr. John
N'Awlinz: Dis Dat or D'Udda
DIRTY BOURBON RIVER SHOW
Volume Four
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