JOSEPH AKINS: Masterpeace

Joseph Akins

Masterpeace

© 2007 Joseph Akins (700261222431)

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Contemporary Instrumental acoustic piano solos to quiet your world. One of today's best collection of solo piano music to lift the spirit and soothe the soul.

notes

Master peace with Masterpeace, a collection of acoustic piano solos written and performed by Joseph Akins. Recorded on a remarkable Yamaha nine-foot concert grand piano, it is one of today's best collection of piano music that lifts the spirit and soothes the soul.


What people are saying:

"Joseph's music is deeply moving, sacred & spiritual and takes the soul on a glorious journey - it paints beautiful images in the mind while haunting notes and rhythms edge open the heart. Simply beautiful."
- The Woodys (Award winning singer-songwriter duo)

"Masterpeace is masterfully recorded. Joseph's melodies gently awaken, speak softly and soothe the spirit. Prepare to be moved."
- Dan Landrum (traveling performer with Yanni)

"Few people know it but I collect solo piano for my meditation times and I will order Masterpeace today."
- Dalton Roberts (happy CDBaby customer and fan of Masterpeace)

"Masterpeace is a melodic massage for the mind! Therapeutic for both massage therapist and recipient."
- Jennifer Durand (Master LMT)


Biography of Joseph Akins:

Tennessee has brought many talented people into the world of music. One such person is the pianist and composer Joseph Akins. The music from his recordings and performances reflect his southern roots and a person with compassion and spirit.

Joseph’s influences range from traditional country music to modern jazz, but the sound of his original music eludes any categorization. Coming from his heart, it inspires people that describe it as pensive, moving, spiritual or just simply, beautiful.

Joseph has recorded and produced two sound recordings that have touched people all over the world. Keys to the Heart, released in 1997, received favorable airplay and use in short film. Masterpeace, released in 2007, is receiving national acclaim as a high quality recording of awe-inspiring solo piano music. Recorded on a remarkable concert grand, the sound of this recording soothes the soul of the grateful listener.

In addition to his solo recordings, Joseph collaborated with Unita and Herb Ernst to create a CD titled Through the Veils (1998) that featured the ethereal and beautiful voice of Unita. In addition to being a musical partner, Unita is Joseph’s life partner.

Joseph also gives to the world through education. He is an award-winning professor at Middle Tennessee State University where he helps students realize their dream for a life in music and recording.

reviews

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  • A Piano Massage!
    author: Kathy Parsons

    “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.

  • MASTERPEACE
    author: Dalton Roberts

    Joseph Akins transcended the elevated image I have long held of him in this recording. He needs to be careful. His soul is leaking out through his fingers onto his piano.

  • author: Laura

    Joseph, Loved the new album. Your music keeps getting better and better. Your dad would be so proud of you.

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