“Out of the Blue” by Cory Lavine
Album review by Dyan Garris for
New Age CD.com
“Out of the Blue” is the debut album by solo pianist and composer, Cory Lavine. Cory, a former hotel employee, experienced a series of interesting, synchronistic events that led him to create this album and to his life’s passion of music.
“Out of the Blue” is nine tracks of elegant, melodic, upbeat solo piano. A little short at 33:22 minutes, with nothing boring here, however, you will find yourself wanting to hear more from this talented pianist and composer long after the album ends.
The album may be short, but it is very sweet and colorful through and through. “Out of the Blue” is like a bright, happy, watercolor painting for the soul.
The album opens with the upbeat and passionate, “Riding the Wind.” One can picture themselves gracefully navigating the air currents of life’s ups and downs. It’s a flow. Following this effervescence is the lovely, “Give Thanks.” Nothing remotely “preachy” here, this composition is also easily flowing, melodic, and upbeat.
“Andante” on track 3, is a catchy and memorable tune. Tranquil, melodic, nicely paced, this is quite soul-soothing, and one of my favorites on the album. “Child’s Wish” follows. This Is sweet, nostalgic and day-dreamy, perhaps reminding us to remember our childhood dreams, to follow them, and to make them reality.
The title track, “Out of the Blue,” is my ultimate favorite composition on the album. This speaks to the whole inspiration for the album, a “chance” encounter, an out of the blue happening that leads us serendipitously to exactly where we are supposed to be. I really love this song. It’s rich, melodious, simply beautiful, and speaks directly through to our hearts.
“Fly Away” evokes feelings of soaring happiness and freedom. “Little Dance” feels very sweet and twinkling. “New Day” is nicely composed and tuneful, as are all the songs here. There is a thoughtful aspect to this song that perhaps reminds us there is promise in everything and to remember to take nothing for granted, not even the new day.
The album rounds out with the smoothly flowing and nicely played, “Reminiscing.” This is light, colorful, yet full of palatable passion and emotion.
This very pleasant album is not particularly complex, yet at the same time it’s not utterly simplistic either. It’s thoughtful, cohesive, and beautiful. Cory has a nice, confident touch and connection with the piano that shines through in every composition here. What really shines through too, is the passion and emotion behind the music, which is all very well phrased. Everything here is heart-touching and soul-soothing. This is happy-feeling solo piano music with a definitive elegance, grace, and sophistication wrapped around it all.
“Out of the Blue” is recommended for relaxation, stress relief, and feeling good. It’s comforting. I expect we will hear much more from very talented Cory Lavine in the future. For sure, he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be.
Buy “Out of the Blue” here: https://www.corylavine.com/
Sheet music is also available at the artist’s website.
