Notes and Editorial Reviews
LONG
Assorted works
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Helen Jane Long (pn)
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BLE MUSIC GROUP (37: 01)
This is primarily wistful, calmly flowing music with what I might call a gentle pop flavor. The tuneful, heartfelt melodies are stated with elegant simplicity over an equally restrained accompaniment—most often slowly spaced single notes that outline the basic triadic harmony, although the pace sometimes picks up a bit. Tastefully arranged, slightly recessed strings often add support. Helen Jane Long (I’m assuming she’s the pianist as well as
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the composer, as the CD doesn’t include credits or a booklet) is a sensitive player who uses subtle gradations of tone and dynamics to shape her music. To my ears, there’s a slight Celtic influence; not surprising, perhaps, as the CD seems to have originated in the U.K. The recording is impressive for its faithful re-creation of piano tone and for the careful blending of the strings with the solo parts. Long has composed for films, and it’s easy to hear how her music would work in that context. I improvised a brief piano impression of her style for a friend, who dubbed it “light John Barry,” and I think that’s a fair description, so long as you think of his slower film themes and don’t expect to hear James Bond lurking in the background. If this is your cup of tea, I can only add that Long does it as well as anyone.
FANFARE: Robert Schulslaper
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Works on This Recording
1.
Embers by Helen Jane Long
Performer:
Helen Jane Long (Piano)
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