Austrian pianist delivers a 2 CD set on his solo debut Beyond Black & White, a collection of acoustic piano pieces that were recorded in a large room filled with 30 other pianos, introducing a sound concept that he is calling "Holistic Resonance", which apparently can be heard to its fullest effect by listening through headphones. Whether this is a viable concept or not, this set is filled with some lovely melodies and graceful chops from Barth, a player who should be familiar to jazz fusion fans through his material as a band leader working with Mike Stern, Gerald Veasley, Mike Baker, and Craig Handy. Each piece has a haunting and emotional vibe to it, as Barth performs the songs as if the piano was an extension of his body. Not quite jazz, not quite classical, and not quite new age, Beyond Black & White might appeal to listeners of all three genres, and certainly to prog rock afficianados who might like a little acoustic piano music with gorgeous melodies and relaxing tempos. Don't expect to be enthralled here, but if you are looking for 2 CD's filled with sumptuous and mesmerizing piano sounds, this might do the trick. Light the candles, pass around some wine, and dim the lights...that would be the perfect setting for Thomas Barth and his solo outing here.
Track Listing
Beyond Left-CD1
01. Reverie d'Elfs
02. Nocturne in D minor Op.139 "Fires in Heaven"
03. Shaman
04. Isis
05. October
06. Salamande Une
07. The Inner Self
08. What Draws Me To You
09. Sleeping Beauty
10. Salamande Deux
11.Those Who Are Brave
Beyond Right -CD2
01. Father To Son
02. Shelter
03. Borea- Temple Dance from Atlantis
04. Senhora do Monte
05. Friends and Places
06. Jeg Råde Vil Alle
07. Salamande Trois
08. Lanikeha
09. Where I come From
10. Vertrautheit
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