Customer Reviews

Piano One

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I will be brief: this is one of the truly great unsung, unknown albums. I have it on the original LP on the Private Music label and anyone who hears it wants to buy it from me. This is a collection of simple and beautiful piano solos by a collection of piano maestros. Originally issued at the time of the start of the "New Age" movement, it is an example of what that genre could have become had it not devolved into a self-indulgent quagmire. If you can find it, buy it! (Also look for its follow-up: "Piano Two", which is equally wonderful!)

I bought this CD when it came out in 1985 and the followup album as well. I still listen to it quite frequently and recommend it highly. This music is rich and is not like much of the "new age" music that is so easy to "get" and catchy. This is more of a jazz album in my opinion. Stunning and deeply rewarding!

Every single track on this disc is stunning! If you've ever associated the term "New Age" with, oh say, 'dreary', then LISTEN TO THIS CD!!

I have had this album for nearly 15 years, and I've given it to many people. These insinuatingly melodic piano tracks are composed/played by 1&4. Joachim Kuhn; 2&7. Ryuichi Sakamoto; 3,6&8.Eddie Jobson; 5.Eric Watson

I have not found any other albums by these artists with similar material, although I quite like Kuhn's "Famous Melodies". Jobson's last track is otherwise available as a synth piece. I'd love to have shete music transcriptions of all these pieces (2/8 so far).

I rebought this music which I've had on tape based mainly on the Eddie Jobson compositions, and at the same time rebought Jobson's Theme of Secrets, both on the Private music label, both excellent. Piano One is solo piano compositions by Joachim Kuhn, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Eric Watson and Jobson. Recorded in the 70s, it still sounds great. There is also a Piano Two follow up, but I seem to remember that it isn't as good, and is more commercial than this one. The Sakamoto songs are solo versions of the theme and one other from Merry Xmas Mr. Lawrence. These and the three Jobson songs are the highlights of this CD IMHO. In general, the music here is melodic, complex, atmospheric(without ever being new agey), non-jazzy and beautifully recorded. A CD that has stood the test of time very well.

If you buy this and like the 3 Jobson compositions, check out 'Theme of Secrets', all synthesised, but similarly melodic, structured and arranged. Superb too.

A very important, but long forgotten album. I have kept this album close to my heart for over 20 years now. It's a seminal album of abstract piano works. It came out in 1985, a time of chances and experimentation. Consider how it was produced in New York City and consider what was going on then in music. "New Age" and "Electronic Music" had yet to come into existence, yet we have this album of solo piano works by seminal, pioneering electronic musicians: Ryuichi Sakamoto, Eddie Jobson among others. Consider that, Piano One was released by Private Music, which was helmed by Peter Baumann of Tangerine Dream. This album defies catagorization. When I play it for people, they flip and cannot believe it is over 20 years old. It is timeless. If you find a copy, you will pay dearly for it, but it is a keeper for sure. A godsend.

Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence by Riuchi is an enticing piece of work. This one melody gets me playing the cd over and over over the last 15 years (pardon the pun).

I own perhaps 500 piano albums from a wide variety of genres. I would place this one near the top. As others have said, this music defies description. It is somewhat jazzy, but mostly it is deeply introspective and nothing in it is superficial. This album should be reissued. I wish someone like Naxos would do that. The piano sound is very good. If you like Brad Mehldau, this album is for you.

Prior to hearing this outstanding collection I had less than no interest in solo piano works - they either seemed like dreary practice pieces or chops demos that featured more technique than music. This one CD made me "get it" thanks to the combination of wonderful compositions and performances.

Brilliant musicians, thought provoking music, beautifully recorded. Piano One is a compilation of solo piano tracks by some gifted contemporary artists. Some of them are jazz influenced, and some not. There aren't many of this disc around, mainly because so few people are willing to sell.