Seven

Review by Kathy Parsons

Seven is the debut
album from Nathan LaMotte, a young pianist/composer who started playing
the piano at the age of six. When he discovered the music of The Piano
Guys several years ago, Nathan became intrigued with their eclectic
sound and started writing his own music by combining a mix of classical
influences with a modern sound. Along with Nathan’s original
compositions, the album contains a couple of original arrangements of
hymns and medleys that include classical themes. Nathan recorded the
seven piano solos on the album over two-year period, and the music
varies from reflective to big and bold - sometimes within the same
piece! It’s an impressive start from a very promising new artist!

Seven begins with “At Last,” a bright and
lively piece that expresses the excitement and release of completing a
project. “Identity: Unknown” is a fun surprise. It comes from Nathan’s
first attempt at a film score. He mixes original spy themes with
segments from Beethoven’s iconic “Fur Elise,” and I think this one might
even make the old guy smile! It starts out with a tentative and
mysterious intro that gradually builds to the opening of “Fur Elise.”
From there, the themes build intensity to a burst of the later theme of
the Beethoven work. From there, it teases as it winds down a bit only to
explode once more into a flurry of the main theme of “Fur Elise” and
Nathan’s originals. It’s a really clever and exciting composition!
“Blessed Assurance” is a lively arrangement of the classic hymn that all
but dances for joy. “Breakthrough” mixes rock, pop and classical styles
into a fast-paced piece that has a powerful theme and sounds like a lot
of fun to play (sheet music???). “Reflections” is much softer,
overflowing with tender emotions and grace - a lovely contrast to the
bigger pieces. “The Return” is Nathan’s interpretation of what a
medieval film score would sound like. A tapestry of varied themes are
woven together to create a bright and vibrant picture that tells a
story, and it’s another fun and exhilarating piece. The album closes
with a medley of the hymn, “I Surrender All,” and Beethoven’s “Ode to
Joy.” Swirling and dancing with an expression of joie de vivre, it’s an
upbeat ending to a great first album.