“Finding Peace” by Joshua Zimmerman
Album Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
Eight years is a long time. Where have you been, Joshua? Life, babies, the pandemic, a thriving music academy, it’s been a very full bunch of years in between Josh’s acclaimed debut album, “Crossroads,” and this new, gorgeous, well worth waiting for, solo piano album, “Finding Peace.” From the quite peaceful cover to the passionate, relaxing music found underneath, to the excellent, engaging videos containing stories behind the music, here, we find true tranquility and ultimately, deep peace.
The 10-track album opens with the title track. Soft, gentle, and building to passionately poignant, the music speaks to the wide range of emotions one feels when going through a grieving process. In this case, Joshua’s brother passed on 10 years ago and this is a lovely tribute to him. It’s a time for healing, hope, and trust. This is beautifully composed and played and is a wonderful beginning to all that comes next.
A musician’s journey is never easy, even though it might seem like it’s supposed to be. “Finding Raindrops” represents the 8-year hiatus in Josh’s life where he wasn’t able to write any music since releasing his debut album. The song is light and hopeful, with a bit of longing in the middle. Melodic and wistful, this is wonderful in every way.
Playful, fun, and again melodic, “Untainted Joy” speaks to the joy Joshua experiences interacting with his 2-year-old daughter. Here, he has perfectly captured her changing moods, ranging from high energy to peaceful and calm. This is great!
There is so much joy to be derived from babies and children. “Footprints in My Heart” invites us to experience the emotions experienced from holding a newborn baby. Here we are wrapped in a soft blanket of love, trust, tenderness. There’s a gentleness about this song that truly draws you fully into the pure peace.
Like a warm lullaby, “For a Princess” captures some super sweet and precious moments between father and daughter who write a special song together based on “prince” and “princess.” This is just lovely.
“Innocent Love” was written by Joshua about 10 years ago as he and his then newlywed wife explored a university music building and came upon a concert grand piano in the auditorium. This song invites us into the excitement, joy, innocence, commitment and love of being newlyweds. One thing I like best about this album is its fresh and flowing melodies throughout, and this song exemplifies that.
A favorite on the album is “Simply Be.” The song begins with a very simple but beautiful melody, and develops nicely with rich harmonies, representing how simple and intimate moments we spend with one another in relationship are much more than what meets the eye.
Have you ever written a note or letter you never sent? “Unwritten Letter” was written after an argument Joshua had with his wife. Fully aware he needed to apologize, this song is meant to capture the emotion of knowing you need to reconcile with someone, but you’ve yet to take that step. This is quiet, gentle, and contemplative. What better way to make amends than through the gift of song? Love this.
There’s probably nothing better than coming home to people who greet you with open arms. “Familiar Arms” invites us into those emotions. There is great use of both the upper and lower registers here creating a wide-open, tender embrace. Wonderful.
A truly fitting conclusion to this gorgeous album is “Into The Open Skies.” Light, happy, hopeful, and uplifting, we are reminded that even while life can bring us major challenges and obstacles, there is so much beauty, love, hope, and grace in everything if we just take a moment to stop and look for it. And there, within, we find our peace.
An album not to be overlooked or missed, get “Finding Peace” here: https://zimmermanpiano.com/
