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review by Bill Binkelman Simple and unpretentious music is among the best kind when one is looking simply to be entertained (as opposed to challenged). While Greg Maroney's solo piano recording, Harmony Grove, could not be pegged as "startlingly original" or "ground-breaking," it is, nonetheless, an enjoyable and heartfelt listening experience. Inspired by the artist's "rural life experiences over the past year," these thirteen instrumentals vary from the cheerful and uptempo album closer, "The Chicken Chase," to the rolling romanticism of "September," the reflective (and aptly titled) "Long Walk Home," and the serene title cut. Whatever mood, tempo, or style Maroney plays in, he shows adroit command of both his technique and his art. For the most part, the songs on Harmony Grove unfurl without unnecessary histrionics, although the artist can be flashy and fiery if needed (such as on ""Elementals" with its rapid arpeggios and dramatic blend of power and nuance). While sometimes his music does seem to as if it's on autopilot (i.e. sounding a little like "generic" new age piano) such as on "Beneath the Sycamore," more often than not, while his melodies and refrains are not overtly imaginative, they still retain enough individuality (e.g. the relative complexity of the almost six-minute long "Nature's Fury" which features time signature changes and mood swings during its span) that if you enjoy solo piano, you will not be disappointed in this recording. Personally, I think the first half to two-thirds of the CD is where his best work lies, especially the two tracks influenced by the passing of his mother ("Elementals" and "Rising") which are certainly anything but pedestrian. His decision to open the CD with "Halfway There" is an excellent choice, as the song is just bouncy enough to entice the listener yet also not so sing-songy that jaded souls will think this is mere new age pop piano music (the track contains some fancy work in the bridge as well). Harmony Grove displays Maroney's obvious talent as well as his desire to craft music that, while relatively uncomplicated, resonates with the reality of human experiences as filtered through music. |
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