#solopiano

Don Grusin – Out Of Thin Air

Out of Thin Air by Don Grusin is a smooth, atmospheric jazz album that lives up to its name. Blending elements of contemporary jazz, and subtle world influences, Grusin crafts a soundscape that feels both spontaneous and carefully polished. The album stands out for its warm keyboard tones, melodic clarity, and laid-back grooves. Tracks flow effortlessly, creating a cohesive listening experience that’s perfect for relaxing or quiet reflection. Grusin’s piano and synth work is expressive without being overpowering, supported by tasteful instrumentation throughout. While it may not push boundaries dramatically, Out of Thin Air excels in mood and musicianship. It’s an elegant, easygoing record that showcases Grusin’s refined style and deep understanding of jazz textures—ideal for fans of smooth, sophisticated instrumental music.

Personnel:

Don Grusin – piano

For Piano Day (the 88th day of the year!), I’m sharing a YouTube playlist for SYNCH – 9 solo piano improvisations recorded live and synched with archival footage courtesy of Prelinger Archives For Piano Day (the 88th day of the year!), I’m sharing a YouTube playlist for SYNCH – 9 solo piano improvisations recorded live and synced with archival footage courtesy of Prelinger Archives 🎹

Enrico Pieranunzi – Wandering

Wandering is a critically acclaimed solo piano album by Italian jazz master Enrico Pieranunzi, released on October 13, 2009, through the CAM Jazz label. 

Recorded in March 2007 at Artesuono Recording Studio in Italy, the album is an introspective journey through 14 tracks that blend jazz improvisation with classical sensibilities. Critics describe it as a "musical portrait" of Pieranunzi, showcasing his mastery of dynamics and his ability to bridge the gap between structured composition and spontaneous flow. 

Track Highlights

The album's structure is punctuated by recurring "Wandering" and "Improvisions" pieces, creating a thematic narrative throughout the listen: 

Teensblues: A modernized blues opener that sets the tone for the exploration.

Wandering 1–4: A series of brief, evocative improvisations that act as the album's spine.

Fermati A Guardare Il Giorno: Translates to "Stop and Look at the Day," highlighting the album's reflective nature.

For My True Love: A lyrical, Evans-esque closing track dedicated to his love. 

Artistic Context

Following the success of his Scarlatti-inspired works, Wandering further established Pieranunzi as a premier solo pianist. The French publication Jazzmagazine even compared his mastery of the solo format to that of the legendary Martial Solal. 

Critical Reception

One of the most refined and intense modern jazz musicians offers here, on solo piano, a series of delightful and vivid tableaux through the masterful construction of a perfect form. Casting anxious shadows of thoughtfulness and melancholy, he creates an exhausting tension that digs deep, glimmering with the reverberations of a tormented enchantment (January 3, 2010 l’Unità - A.G.).

ART TATUM SOLO VS. TRIO (INTERVIEW BY WILLIS CONOVER)