MATTHEW COOK: Moondance

Matthew Cook

Moondance

© 2005 Matthew Cook (634479145407)

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Upbeat and Contemporary Solo Piano Arrangements Of Modern Classics

tracks

1 Margaritaville
2 Something
3 She's Always a Woman
4 Tears in Heaven
5 Lady Madonna
6 Triste
7 Just the Way You Are
8 This Masquerade
9 Levon
10 Moondance
11 She Came in Through the Bathroom Window
12 Things We Said Today

notes

I am an artist from Northern California. I create environments for people to enjoy. Surrounded by the beauty of our Ancient Redwood Forests, steeped in the stillness and awe-inspiring power of nature, my art speaks of a sense of peace and well-being amid the struggles of being human.

On the heels of my 2002 Stormy Weather release, which was a collection of ballads with a very mellow tone overall, I wanted to do something a little more contemporary and a little more upbeat. I chose songs from some of my early rock influences; Billy Joel, Elton John, Van Morrison, Jackson Browne, and of course The Beatles .

With Rock ballads, Latin Rock, and even some straight ahead Rock & Roll, this collection of songs is a lively and interesting departure from my previous work.

My life is my art and my art is my life. It has always been thus for me and I have had interesting and rich experiences for it. I have been fortunate to be able to share pieces of that through my music.

Over the years I have developed my own piano style, 'Folk-Jazz' , combining the simplicity, accessibility and personableness of folk music with some of the heady elements of modern jazz.

All of my CDs are high-quality recordings of Yamaha Grand Pianos. 'Summertime' 'The Rose' and 'By Request' were recorded live on a Yamaha C-3. 'Redwood Reflections', 'Stormy Weather', and 'Moondance' were recorded live in the studio on a Yamaha C-7.

reviews

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  • I had a lot of fun with this album.
    author: Kathy Parsons

    Moondance Matthew Cook 2005 / Arianna Recordings 50.4 minutes After a series of mellow and soothing solo piano albums, Matthew Cook chose to interpret a collection of songs from his early rock roots. Some of the twelve arrangements are still very easy-going, but a few are more upbeat toe-tappers. A Northern California-based pianist, Cook has been playing in some of the finest resorts and restaurants in the area for more than twenty years, so he knows how to set up a solo piano program that will appeal to a wide variety of ages and personalities. This particular collection will probably grab the middle-aged crowd and have us all singing in the car and the shower. I remember the words to most of these songs, so I’ve had a lot of fun with this album. An excellent pianist, Cook lets the melodies stay front and center in his arrangements, and avoids the common pitfall of too many glissandos and trills. Four of The Beatles’ songs are included: a smooth and beautiful interpretation of “Something;” a bouncy, joyful rendition of “Lady Madonna;” a jazzy version of “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window;” and the closing track “Things We Said Today,” which is one of my favorites on this CD. I’ve always loved the way this song shifts from major to minor modes, and Cook’s rhythmic arrangement suits the song perfectly. Two of Billy Joel’s earlier songs are here, too. “She’s Always a Woman” and “Just The Way You Are” don’t stray far from the originals, but are still very personal. Cook also has a very tender and sad version of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven.” Another favorite is Cook’s arrangement of “This Masquerade,” which is rhythmic, but still very pensive and melancholy. I love this version of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” with it’s free improvisations - Cook was really “on” with this one! If you enjoy solo piano arrangements of some of your old favorites, you’ll love this album! It is available from www.matthewcook.com and cdbaby.com. Have fun with this one! Kathy Parsons Solo Piano Publications 8/21/05

  • Upbeat and Fun!
    author: Kathy Parsons

    After a series of mellow and soothing solo piano albums, Matthew Cook chose to interpret a collection of songs from his early rock roots. Some of the twelve arrangements are still very easy-going, but a few are more upbeat toe-tappers. A Northern California-based pianist, Cook has been playing in some of the finest resorts and restaurants in the area for more than twenty years, so he knows how to set up a solo piano program that will appeal to a wide variety of ages and personalities. This particular collection will probably grab the middle-aged crowd and have us all singing in the car and the shower. I remember the words to most of these songs, so I’ve had a lot of fun with this album. An excellent pianist, Cook lets the melodies stay front and center in his arrangements, and avoids the common pitfall of too many glissandos and trills. Four of The Beatles’ songs are included: a smooth and beautiful interpretation of “Something;” a bouncy, joyful rendition of “Lady Madonna;” a jazzy version of “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window;” and the closing track “Things We Said Today,” which is one of my favorites on this CD. I’ve always loved the way this song shifts from major to minor modes, and Cook’s rhythmic arrangement suits the song perfectly. Two of Billy Joel’s earlier songs are here, too. “She’s Always a Woman” and “Just The Way You Are” don’t stray far from the originals, but are still very personal. Cook also has a very tender and sad version of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven.” Another favorite is Cook’s arrangement of “This Masquerade,” which is rhythmic, but still very pensive and melancholy. I love this version of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” with it’s free improvisations - Cook was really “on” with this one! If you enjoy solo piano arrangements of some of your old favorites, you’ll love this album! Have fun with this one!

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