Kathy Parsons with Mainly Piano (San Francisco)Follow the Mist
Stephen Peppos
2008 / Sonic Bear Music
57.9 minutes
"Follow the Mist" is Stephen Peppos’ follow-up to his debut solo release, "Vertigo", which was released earlier this year. The music on the new album is a bit more peaceful and soulful, but this is definitely not "snooze" music. The fourteen tracks are a fascinating and eclectic mix of musical styles, orchestrated and performed by Peppos on a variety of keyboards in his private music studio, affectionately called "The CaCoon." One track features two vocalists, but otherwise, it's all Peppos, an award-winning composer whose music has been heard around the world and featured in many high-profile television productions. Peppos' music incorporates an array of musical influences, blending jazz, new age, classical, and pop influences into an original sound that is both complex and accessible. Peppos has been creating music in the background for a lot of years, and it seems that the time has finally come for him to shine in his own right.
The title track begins our magical journey through "the mist." Strings, light percussion, piano, and an assortment of other instruments and sound effects create a serene and sensual atmosphere. "The River" is a beautiful piano piece with jazz touches here and there. This is a peaceful river that meanders on its path yet conveys an underlying sense of power and strength. Strings enhance the gentle flow. "Sunrise" is also mostly piano, conveying the warmth and optimism of a new day, full of endless possibilities. "The Image" goes a bit darker and is more orchestrated. Mysterious, shimmering, and very atmospheric, it’s one of my favorites. I also really like "The Gift", with its sense of anticipation mixed with magical swirls and sparkles. "The Search" takes us into vast darkness and deep space, floating along, catching flashes of light and color as we go. "Bird of Paradise" is exotic and sensual. The sounds of flowing water, a female voice in the background, and a strong rhythm provide natural refreshment on our journey. "The Valley" is a gorgeous piano piece that paints a vision of a lush, peaceful landscape . "The Find" is another favorite, with its delicate, melancholy melody that overflows with longing - a beautifully cinematic piece! "Angel Talk" picks up the tempo and lightens the mood a bit while remaining mysterious and moving forward - love it! The buoyant and upbeat "Take Me Away" features vocals by Susan Yates and Kaitlin Daneille. Our colorful journey comes to an end with the lovely "Canon in G", a wistful, dreamy piece that leaves us with a contented smile.
"Follow the Mist" should firmly establish Stephen Peppos in the upper echelons of contemporary instrumental music. Visit his website at www.stephenpeppos.com. The CD is also available from amazon.com, cdbaby.com, and iTunes.com. Highly recommended!
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
8/20/08
reviewed by RJ Lannan on 11/19/2008Follow the Mist
Stephen Peppos
I am privileged to live in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. I know of the mists that abide here. Stephen Peppos puts to music the mystery and magic that can be found along the valleys of your landscape or your dreams on his new release Follow the Mist. Stephen literally changes his tune on this new work going from the jazz and energy driven music on his Vertigo album to something quite subdued and delicate. There are still light jazz touches, electronic quavers and the electric nuances, but the tempo is completely changed, the theme relaxed and you are invited to drift along. Luckily, there is plenty of mist to go around.
The title track Follow the Mist is the opening cut and sets up a soothing atmosphere of that which is to come. There is the soft rushing of the wind and the crystal dew on the trees as the morning opens her golden eyes. There is no haste in this scenario, only the pace that is as quick as a heartbeat and as bright as a smile.
Great piano is the nexus of The Valley. It starts out solo as if I was alone heading down into the valley just to see what was there. Sifting percussion and light strings joins me as I am awestruck by the towering canyon walls, the meandering river and the explosion of green all around me. There is more splendor here than one mind can hold and is seems to go forever.
The Search is a journey sometimes in slow motion. Time is reduced to eye blinks, the heart a pendulum of slowness, and only the spirit remains in real time to carry out the quest. It is the drifting resonance of a universe where the sound of fluttering dragonfly wings has the same reverberation as the explosion of a neutron star. The Search is of course, a journey to the inner self and more complex than any galaxy.
The Gift is a breath-taking tune full of depth and strong melody. There is a feeling of innate joy in the music as if Stephen takes great pleasure in giving much more than getting. The opening sounds almost like child's piano and then it grows and matures. It becomes more like an exchange between piano and strings. The music tells me that sometimes there are gifts that cannot be tied with bows and pretty paper. Those are most valuable and dearest of all.
Angel Talk made me wonder. What do they talk about, these mostly unseen spirits that protect and guide their human charges without reward or recognition (literally)? They must gossip about purple sunsets and golden sunrises. They must chatter about flower petals and baby smiles and most of all, about undying love for all. All that and more is in the notes of Stephen's song.
Almost as if played on an Old World hurdy-gurdy, Canon in G completes the album. The song quickly changes over to electronics, but the feeling is still the same. The music fills the senses like a black and white movie challenging the modern mind. You must reach deep into your soul to add your own version of color. Luckily, the music is inspirational.
Yes, Stephen really changes his tune and much more on this album. It is as if he has turned the page on his jazz inspired music for a new leaf of New Age and Electronic tenderness. Now every time I gaze out the window and see the mists growing out of nothing and flowing into the valley, I will have Stephen Peppos to thank for adding just the right soundtrack.
reviewed by RJ Lannan on 11/19/2008
New Age Reporter