Jonathan Dimsdale
Smoke on the Horizon
© 2004 Jonathan Dimsdale (807207032625)
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Original solo piano that conjures up beautifully lush images blending the vibrancy of jazz, the intricacy of classical music, and the contemplative nature of new age. For fans of Windham Hill, Narada, and ECM recordings.
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Jonathan grew up in San Diego, California, and at the urging of his parents, began learning classical piano at the age of six. Secretly dreaming of becoming a rock star, he spent the next dozen years playing piano in the hopes that one day he would replace all the recitals, competitions, and cold formality with screaming teenage girls, pyrotechnics, and endless riches. But alas, classical piano did not hold such a future in its cards for Jonathan; finding himself restless, he delved into jazz and blues and played in a handful of bands before falling in love with piano composition. Since then, he has developed his own unique voice that reflects the variety of his musical influences and training.
Jonathan left California to go to college on the East coast, naively leaving the beaches behind him to experience what winter was really like. However, two years of blizzards and ice were enough to send him running to study for a year in Seville, Spain before returning to finish his senior year at Tufts University and studies at Berklee School of Music. During the summer of 2004, he recorded his debut album of solo piano compositions, Smoke on the Horizon, independently releasing the CD on his own label in 2005. Critic Kathy Parsons declared it as “nothing short of spectacular… a collection of original piano solos that are full of youthful energy as well as the naked and deeply-felt emotions that bubble up (and sometimes roar) as one’s life takes shape.”
Jonathan is actively involved in community outreach and benefit concerts, most recently organizing and headlining a successful fundraising concert for Hurricane Katrina. However, he continues to balance music with school and his life away from the piano. “When I begin composing I don’t know where a song will take me or what walls I will run into. But there is one thing I do know: there is something on the other side of the wall, a part of myself waiting to be discovered… I play piano, because it lets me dream out loud…”
reviews
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what a surprise!
author: maríaOh my god!! I'm working with an artist around me..I think now I'm gonna see u with different eyes.jajajaja. Really great dear Jon! Congratulations!
- author: Mary
All I can say is AMAZING! Definitely the best purchase I've made recently - this album is perfect for studying, sleeping, waking up in the morning, and just about anything romantic. THank you Jonathan!
the beautiful side of the raynbaw
author: CrystianItaliathis cd can bring me a beautiful emotion ,.... i love it
Masterpiece
author: VanJonathan's Smoke on the Horizon is a soothing journey by piano that will relax the mind and spark the imagination. I found myself flowing from track to track, enjoying the stories, emotions and landscapes that float through the speakers. Brilliant!
Masterpiece
author: VanJonathan's Smoke on the Horizon is a soothing journey by piano that will relax the mind and spark the imagination. I found myself flowing from track to track, enjoying the stories, emotions and landscapes that float through the speakers. Brilliant!
WOW!
author: Kathy ParsonsJonathan Dimsdale’s debut recording is nothing short of spectacular. “Smoke On the Horizon” is a musical journey through the ups and downs in the life of an extraordinarily talented young man. At the tender age of twenty-one, Dimsdale has created a collection of original piano solos that are full of youthful energy as well as the naked and deeply-felt emotions that bubble up (and sometimes roar) as one’s life takes shape. The music varies from quiet peace to strong and turbulent, and a multitude of influences can be heard: classical, jazz, blues, the more reflective new age styles, and even some progressive rock. Some of the pieces remind me a bit of the beautiful complexity of Clara Ponty’s work; some remind me of Dax Johnson’s passionate piano solos. Dimsdale’s musical voice is clear and strong, and I’m very excited about being among the first to hear his music. Far from being ear candy, this was one of those albums that I wasn’t sure I liked the first couple of plays, but then the music started to open up and reveal itself, and I found myself often saying, “Wow!” By the fourth or fifth play, it was really getting under my skin, and it will definitely be one of my favorites for the year. The opening track, “Daybreak,” is one of Dimsdale’s early compositions. Energetic and full of life, I was surprised when a familiar phrase jumped out at the midpoint of the piece. After a couple of takes, I identified it as a bluesy riff on David Lanz’s “She Stands On the Mountain, Still.” It’s only a few measures, but I had to ask Dimsdale about it, and it is, indeed, a nod to Lanz, the biggest inspiration to his composing. “Nightingale’s Song” is one of the quieter and more reflective tracks - very beautiful! “House of Cards” is my favorite. It begins with a quiet, plaintive melody that is very dark and sad. The emotions build to an outpouring of passion. A sweet little passage follows that seems to be musical relief, and then the opening melody returns and develops into another burst of passion that calms and becomes peaceful. An amazing piece! “The City In the Sea” is mysterious and magical. “Adrift” is another favorite. It begins very quietly and pensively, and as the title implies, has a floating, flowing quality. Toward the end, the tempo picks up and the piece resolves. “Paper Moon” has a very delicate introductory passage that becomes a series of themes that melt into each other, some carefree, some more serious. I also really like “Chasing Ghosts” with its unexpected melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic changes. Parts of it are “haunting” and mysterious, while others are upbeat and lively. The closing track, “Kaleidoscope,” is a little more abstract, with the melody and accompaniment going in almost random directions, as the shapes in a kaleidoscope do, forming beautiful colors and patterns as they move and change shapes. “Smoke On the Horizon” is an auspicious beginning! Very highly recommended!
Excellent debut from a talented artist
author: Rob FriedmanA wonderfully varied selection of piano solos, perfect for a leisurely Sunday brunch or relaxing background music anytime. Lovers of Windham Hill will petition them to pick up this master!
Turn off the cell, dim the lights and let Dimsdale take you on an epic journey .
author: Angie & John MirandaTurn off the cell, dim the lights and let Dimsdale take you on an epic journey through life’s stages, expressed in music. His compositions convey a range of emotions from joy and discovery to disappointment and frustration. The “House of Cards”, one of my favorites, builds in darkness to a tumbling finale. Another of my favorites, “Sandbox” captures the freedom and energy of childhood with an appealing freshness. Listening to this music is a wonderful way to relax and reflect. You will enjoy every piece!
Couldn't be better
author: C.J.Finally the world gets to hear this talent after so many years of development - and we are not disappointed.
A Great Collection of Music
author: ScottThis is a wonderful collection of music and I've enjoyed listening to it. Each song is unique but they blend together as a harmonious composition.
Dimsdale's music warms the soul.
author: PatriceThe album is wonderful--lovely, original, heartfelt piano music that warms the soul.
Soulful, glorious music
author: BarbaraI was blown away by this artist's gift and talent. Over and over and over I love listening to his creative, soulful piano music.
Beautiful, intricate and soothing
author: DeDeRecently saw Jonathan Dismdale play and was so impressed with his compostions and playing that I bought this great CD. It is beautiful music.
Brilliant evocative collection of piano compositions! Bravo!
author: MattThis is a must for any piano-lover, there is a diversity in the pieces that is not seen in many of the more standard new age pianists' recordings. Keep an eye out in the news for this one
Breathtaking cd perfect for anyone.
author: Erin MaxonWhat a talented and handsome artist! I would reccommend this CD to anyone with ears (and a soul).
lyrical, intricate and melodious
author: SusanEnjoyed the CD - it has a lyrical quality that is hard to describe. It is very intricate yet melodious. I call it mood music and very easy listening that appeals to all age groups.