Highly emotional piano – Lynn Tredeau – SHIFTING SANDS: As you might imagine from the reviews here in Contemporary Fusion Reviews and over in Improvijazzation Nation magazine, I have the privilege of listening to and reviewing the very best artists on the scene today, particularly when it comes to piano. The piano focus comes from my own previous experiences playing keyboards, because that gives me a unique perspective on how to review pianists (I think, anyway). Lynn’s keyboard work is right at the top of “the best”, to be sure. As you listen to her firm, yet tasteful, touch on tunes like the opener, “Lost in Familiar Surroundings“, you’ll easily realize why I say that… simple, yet wonderful piano that brings emotions to the surface you thought you had lost.
Any pianist who knows their instrument will be able to “tell stories” to the listener with their playing, and on the beautiful, yet tragic, “Looking to Lowman“, Lynn tells the tale of watching wildfires burn in Lowman, Idaho… this is a piece you will listen to over and over again, and discern something new on each play. Lynn started playing at the tender age of six, when her parents bought her first piano, and that experience shines through her fingers as she plays her stories and memories for you. After her children began to move from the nest, Lynn began composing her own music, and her talent and skill propelled her to making award-level music and releasing her first album (Echos of Life) in January, 2015 (nominated as Best New Artist by Enlightened Piano). This new one is her fourth release, and she’s only just beginning… keep your ears pealed folks, you’ll be hearing much more from Lynn.
There are several reasons why the 3:46 “Dance of the Unknown” became my personal favorite of the dozen highly creative pieces offered up… but mostly, it is because it evokes a clear sense of the vitality of life and the living of it! I give Lynn a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this excellent album.
– Dick Metcalf, editor, Contemporary Fusion Reviews