(pair of mirrors)

Gonzales - “Gentle Threat”

Solo Piano

There are all these new records that I have been listening to to that I keep meaning to sit down and tell you guys all about, but in typical M fashion I am far more wrapped up in an album that no one is talking about…probably because it came out almost 8 years ago. I don’t care how old it is—I think it is one of the most beautiful albums I’ve ever heard. 

Ladies and gentleman, you have to hear Solo Piano by Gonzalas. Not only is it beautiful, it manages to be calming and moving and inspiring too. From the very first notes of Gogol, I am filled with an intense urge to make the world more beautiful place. I find myself putting the album on over and over again because nothing seems to be good enough after its over. I want to listen to that feeling it gives me forever. It makes me want to paint something, film something, or do ballet. Of course I’m not very good at any of those things, so instead I put on Solo Piano in my apartment, lie on the floor with a cup of steaming tea and my cat and scribble furiously in a notebook. This album is one man’s creativity inspiring creativity in others…. its art helping to make art. It is magnificent. 

A little part of me is worried about how much I like this album. Am I getting old? My 76 year old father sits in his favourite chair listening to classical music every morning, moving his hand like he’s conducting an orchestra… lost in the music. I always appreciated how moved he was by classical music, but also a little frustrated that he didn’t appreciate the power of words enough. I wanted him to listen to the way John Samson spins the world, or how Regina Spektor imagines a love story. This morning I’m struck by how nice it is when there aren’t any words. 

I think sometimes the world is a lot nicer when people aren’t talking. I wish I was better at listening and not talking…at finding a feeling and not trying to find the words. So I’m going to shut up now, and just tell you to buy this. I hope it inspires you.

-M