Customer Reviews

Masterpeace - Solo Piano

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I came across Joseph Akins while listening to a Piano channel I had created on Pandora radio a few weeks ago. First song I heard was the title track "Masterpiece". It stopped me in my tracks. I researched the balance of the album to find the whole thing amazing. What a talented pianist! My highest complements for what is an incredibly beautiful collection of songs. Best piano I've heard in 10-15 years.

I purchased this CD several months ago and listen to it every day. Joseph Akins is a musical genius! Every note he plays has a purpose and paints a fantastic picture in your minds eye. You can even hear the humor he adds to some of the pieces. I'm looking forward to his future CD's. My friends that don't normally care for solo piano music love this CD too. I highly recommend this CD.

Joseph Akins is wonderful. If he's not the next Jim Brickman I don't know who is!!! -- Mystical Artist, Lori Daniel Falk

A musical oasis, Masterpeace is exactly what its title suggests: a selection of piano pieces reflective of a sense of peace so immersive that it is difficult to escape, and it is hard to understand why one would want to. From joyful and light to contemplative, each piece has its own unique hallmarks, despite their shared instrument. What never wavers, however, is their universal tranquility.
''From the first notes, one is submerged in a sea of serenity, bobbing along on uplifting and peaceful chords. The title track mixes wistfulness with hope in a meditative and relaxing symphony. The unadorned chords of "Cane Creek" trickle and pool into subtle yet powerful crescendos. There is something special about the way the melody evolves and flows that is hard to express in words; it simply must be heard. Far from repetitive, these gorgeous melodies soothe and exude beauty and peace. They convey effortlessly what many other musicians struggle to attain, ranging from typical New Agey fare to the bluesy sound of "Joy of Being." Multi-layered and complex without being obtrusive or flashy, Masterpeace is a terrific selection to accompany almost any activity (or lack thereof); Joseph Akins is a virtuoso and his compositions are a musical treasure of the first water.
--Richard Mackenzie
Mysteries Magazine issue #20

"Masterpeace" is pianist/composer Joseph Akins' first solo release in ten years. A professor of recording industry at Middle Tennessee State University, Akins recorded this beautiful album on a Yamaha CFIII concert grand, and the sound quality is amazing. The title track arrived one day when Akins was improvising at the piano, after several years of "writer's block." Once that piece was realized, the music started coming almost faster than Akins could play it. The result is an exceptional piano CD designed for relaxation and to quiet the listener's world. The nine tracks are all original compositions, and a few include keyboard washes for color.

As a young teenager, Akins played keyboards and saxophone in his father's country-rock band in Tennessee, and occasionally you can hear a touch of that influence. As a college student, he played in rock bands and then turned to jazz. The death of his father and a health problem that challenged his music career changed Akins' perspective on life as well as music. "Music became much more than notes and rhythms. It became about feeling emotions, expressing the soul, and helping others." That focus is very apparent in Akins' music, and his deep involvement in so many different kinds of music has helped him to create a musical voice that is uniquely his own while being universally understandable.

The title track opens the CD. Warm, inviting, and very calming, it is a lovely way to start! "Cane Creek" is blissfully serene with a lazy tempo and gentle flow. Keyboard washes create a sense of mystery and of seeking. "Finding Grace" is one of my favorites. A little darker than some of the others, there is a real poignance to the music. The slow melody and occasional discordance bring out the introspective nature of the piece - deeply emotional thinking at the piano. "In the Country" hints at Nashville piano legend Floyd Cramer. Leisurely and easy-going, images of a restful day in nature come floating through as the music plays. "Journey Home" is another beauty. Thoughtful and reflective, this one is a little more dramatic than some, offering passion as well as contentment. "Keys to the Heart" is my favorite. Shown as a "bonus track" on the CD, this piece was an expression of Akins' grief from losing his father, but also expresses the peace that comes with the acceptance of one of life's most difficult challenges. A testament to the healing qualities of music, this piece also celebrates life and feels like a tribute. Emotionally complex and absolutely honest, this is a truly great piece! I also really like "Inner Space," another bonus track. More improvised and free-form, the repetitive left hand keeps the floating right hand somewhat grounded as it dances all over the piano.

"Masterpeace" is a great album for relaxing and unwinding. I don't recommend trying to wake up with it! Joseph Akins is off to a very promising fresh start, and we'll hope that the music keeps flowing.

Joseph gave me an advance copy of this album (recorded on a synthesizer) one year ago before it was released to the public - I have been listening to it on my car CD player every day ever since - Although I have come to know every note by heart, I still discover new meaning and new musical adventure every time I listen. This is truly the work of a creative genius and I thank you Joseph every day for making an otherwise laborious daily trip, a real pleasure!

I truly enjoy this CD. It is relaxing and peaceful, as well as well beautifully composed. Thank you Joseph!.. Nice meeting you in Atlanta..
Teri from Michigan

Masterpeace is masterpiece! This is one for the ages. It should have been released a long time ago. For me, this is the ideal background music for working at home on in the office. Good job Joseph!