Wind
and
Wire
- Evzone Music
- 3060 Pharr Court North, Suite 16
- Atlanta, GA 30305
George Skaroulis' Return to Homeland features reworkings of nine songs from his 1996 recording, Homeland, as well as seven new selections. Unlike his previous album, the critically-acclaimed Generations, Skaroulis uses some discrete electronic keyboard textures to flesh out a few tracks (literally a few, so don't be expecting a 50/50 split between piano and synths). This helps to break up the "sameness" which can sometimes creep into solo piano recordings (especially ones like this with sixteen cuts!). His use of synthesizers is perhaps best evidenced on the second track, Athena, which is one of the new compositions here. The synths, used mostly as strings but also as balalaika and some very subtle spacy textures, underscore and enhance the piece's drama and lend the wistful piano playing an air of mystery. Another track that gains from the addition of synths is "My Dreams" which gains a fullness and a richness and adds a sweeping broader scope to the surprisingly (given the song title) somber piece. What dominates the CD, though, is Skaroulis' remarkable talent for crafting piano melodies that are (at times) unmistakably influenced by his Greek heritage, yet go about it so unobtrusively that no one I can think of would refer to this as "world" music. In addition to the Mediterranean flavor of the songs on Return to Homeland, the artist once again displays his assuredness with what has become his trademark, i.e. crafting piano songs that walk the line between an easy melodic accessibility and a more reflective free-form composing style. George is one of the best at this, ranking up alongside of artists like William Watson, in that his music is instantly likable but the casual listener will probably not tire of this as easily as he/she might of more mainstream artists who rely too heavily on catchy refrains or pop-ish melodies. The overall feeling of the recording is low-key but not too somber; it's reflective and warm in a natural and genuinely nostalgic manner - never schmaltzy or maudlin. As on Generations, I found myself touched by these simple (in that he never resorts to fireworks or histrionics) songs that are evocative of home, family, and remembrance of both. If there is a downside to the album, it's only that some tracks are short (under two minutes) and may sound a little under-developed. However, Skaroulis presents no jarring transitions and even the short cuts are memorable, such as the sad Greek-sounding "Kalymnos," or the gentle and friendly "Open Arms." Not having heard the original Homeland album, I can't comment on how similar or dissimilar the reworking of the nine tracks from that album are - so fans of the artist who already own that album will have to decide for themselves if the seven new songs are "worth it." If you're new to Skaroulis, though, and you enjoy piano music that is rich with nuance, is accessible without being commercial, and has a scent of the sea air coming off of the shining waters of the Mediterranean, then Return to Homeland will, I'd wager, become one of your favorite CDs of recent memory. review by Bill Binkelman |
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George Skaroulis' album generations (lower case intentional) is overflowing with romanticism and nostalgia. That's as it should be, since it (the music on this album) will accompany the international (Greece and the US) touring display of George's grandfather Theo Patronis' photographs (which document Theo's family's life through the years in Greece). Some of these marvelous photos are included in the well-laid out album insert. Just a casual inspection of these pictures reveals where George's music comes from so effortlessly. Without a doubt, the (mostly solo) piano pieces on generations (occasionally accented by a subtle synth or keyboard texture) paint beautiful musical portraits that fit hand-in-glove with the sepia-toned photos of couples, families, children and other people from Theo's life. What surprised me the most about generations was how totally devoid of schmaltz the album is. The sentiment in George's playing and composing is absolutely heartfelt, but it never descends to cloying sentimentality. The flow from remembrance to joy to regret to romance to sadness is seamless and a joy to hear. This is intimate piano playing at its finest. From a melodic standpoint, the compositions are not usually tone poems but instead are structured more like traditional songs, with refrains, etc. However, that George was able follow this more accessible format (which he mostly does) yet still lend the pieces on generations the "feel" of tone poems (from artists like William Watson, for example) is a testament to his considerable skill. The other thing worth mentioning, which I alluded to earlier, is the restraint, finesse and style with which George uses his synthesizers. He seems to have an innate sense of just how much extra to give a song - and when to give it nothing extra at all. That's remarkable, in my opinion. Many artists over-embellish. George must have the soul of a poet. I say that because one of my favorite English teachers once told me that great poets do so much with so little because they know just how to say something with the fewest words. Generations is like that. There is no ostentatious showmanship here, nor any in-your-face displays of virtuosity. Instead, there is an abundance of simplicity and charm. I can't begin to single out favorite or specific cuts (there are sixteen songs!). Everything on the CD is wonderful. This is a recording to immerse yourself in and recall moments from your family's past, just as it seems George did when recorded generations. With this CD as a soundtrack for your trip down memory lane, your time will be well spent. George Skaroulis has given us a rare glimpse into his life and, from where I sit, we are better for it. Recommended without reservation for piano music fans and romantics everywhere. review by Bill Binkelman |