“When The Rain Learned To Sing” by Michael Whalen
Album Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
Everything speaks if we really listen. And we are always learning new things here. But what if the rain could sing? What would that sound like?
Here, in his new 10-track solo piano album, released on International Piano Day (March 29), Emmy Award®-winning composer Michael Whalen returns to his roots of solo piano. This is something he does extraordinarily well and we love it. Michael describes the album as “his personal journey through thoughts, feelings, and expressions” as a man embarking upon his 6th decade of life.
Now, some people find rain to be oppressive, and some people find joy and wonder in it. Whatever emotion it evokes, it certainly gives us pause for reflection, as does every song on this album.
The album opens with the lovely and flowing “Blowing Leaves October Zephyrs.” This is soft and gentle, just like its title and sets the perfect tone for the rest of the album.
Following is the pretty and melodic “A Life I Almost Missed.” Reflective and contemplative, this is also very peaceful and elegant.
The title track is an interesting composition which evokes a certain kind of thoughtfulness. Much like people may have their own perspectives on rain, this song gives us space to explore our feelings and emotions regarding such. It’s different.
We all have things we have left undone including sometimes “Unfinished Letters.” The question is, do we have regrets, do we procrastinate, do we finish those letters and/or maybe even revisit entire chapters of our lives? This is another interesting and thought-provoking composition which is quite pleasant, slowly paced, and wonderfully contemplative.
“Whispers of The Setting Sun” is beautiful and tranquil. The song evokes feelings of sitting quietly on the beach watching the sun melt very slowly into the ocean horizon. This is lovely, with perfect pauses, and we can almost hear the gradually dissolving sun singing along with the rain.
Sixty years old is a milestone of some sort and we then certainly have enough life experience to examine and contemplate our existence. What if this? And what if that? “60 Times Around The Sun” is slow, quiet, enjoyable, and again, contemplative. Very nicely done.
The eyes are a window into the soul, and we can tell a lot about someone by gazing deeply into their eyes. I think “She Has The Bluest Eyes” is a tribute to Michael’s wife Ruthie. This piece is a favorite. It’s gentle, sweet, and soft.
There is always light out there somewhere, no matter how dark things may seem. “Light Beneath the Fog” invites us to remember this. Graceful, with plenty of spaces for reflection, it’s as if we can peer through a gossamer curtain and find the light again after the rain. I really like this. Ditto for “Through The Window of Your Soul.” It’s quiet, gentle, and brings a sense of deep peace.
The album closes out with the perfect “Love In Every Ending,” which is another favorite. Quiet, but optimistic, we can genuinely feel the love emanating through every note here.
For the full and tranquil, emotionally rich experience, you will want to get the whole album.
Gt it here: https://www.michaelwhalen.com
Radio promotion: Stacy Bonk: [email protected]
