BRODBECK: Expansion V/A

This is a beautiful elegant and reflective new solo piano CD from Jean- Paul. it has very interesting readings of classical pieces and a few standards, with many fresh sounding original compositions from Jean-Paul I especially enjoyed his version of the famous Chopin prelude in C-minor with his lovely singing touch he transforms this warhorse of the classical repertoire into his own world, smooth and pianistically played he weaves the threads of the original melody and harmony through his own fertile imagination and comes out with something beautiful and new. I am sure if Chopin heard this he would love it, research states that Chopin himself was a great improviser. The Brahmsian dance is my favorite piece: a complex series of ideas joined together in a seamless whole it intrigued me with its complex but somehow transparent aura, it has a few different elements including a thrusting bass figure leading to excellent melodic ideas that are well developed. The two standards are a welcome contrast to the depth of the other pieces, the old "Nobody else but me" flows along with fresh but familiar moments and is swinging. "If I should lose you" gets an unusual but very effective reading. I was touched and that's the most important thing for me. This music appeals to both the intellect and the intuitive emotional needs that I have as a listener highly recommended !!

Richie Beirach