Blender

Justin Merritt
Blender
Reviewed by BravoMarco
Minnesota based composer Justin Merrit with pianist Mathew McCright have created a wonderful look at the seasons, as well as delving into other areas. As the liner says “What kind of music would sound good in a bar attached to a bowling alley?” This release would sound good anywhere. Mostly classical, with experimental flourishes. No FCC’s. Piano instrumental. Some tracks finish early or fade out to a whisper. Play any: Loving 4,10,11,21, See liner notes for song descriptions in depth.

1) Blender (3.21) Intense for the most part, eases up toward the end.
2) Album Leaves - Meltware (2.53) Very mellow.
3) Album Leaves - Mosquito (1.42) Life of an insect as interpreted by piano.
4) Album Leaves – Quiet Land (3.04) Soft whistling to accompany the ivories.
5) Album Leaves - Sprinkles (1.45) Delicate touches.
6) Album Leaves – Album Leaves (2.49) Peaceful & elegant.
7) Album Leaves – Old Eagle Lake Cemetery (1.51) Darker forces at work here.
8) Album Leaves – Ancient Stars (1.31) Soft with jagged edges.
9) Album Leaves - Flurries (0.42) Short & snow fall sweet.
10) Album Leaves - Solstice (3.26) Solitary & pensive.
11) Album Leaves – The Long Drive Home (1.39) Sweetness that could go on…
12) Album Leaves - Epilogue (1.30) Slightly more urgent.
13)False Memories(6.43) Different experimental feel & energy. Brooding quality.
14) Fires Of 1918 (2.56) Wham bam opening salvo that doesn’t quit.
15) Five Preludes For Piano – Prelude No. 1 (1.54) Tense.
16) Five Preludes For Piano – Prelude No. 2 (3.23) Thoughtful.
17) Five Preludes For Piano – Prelude No. 3 (1.48) Energetic.
18) Five Preludes For Piano – Prelude No. 4 (2.29) More reflective.
19) Five Preludes For Piano – Prelude No. 5 (1.16) Faster paced, almost jazz like.
20) The Last Blackbird (4.52) Slow & deliberate with added effects.
21) Sans Serif (3.42) Percussion effects using the piano. Soundtrack experimental quality.
22) Cube Dance (12.36) Maybe more of a concert piece, pianists hard at work.
23) Glyph (3.46) Waves of sound, washing in & out.
24) Unnamed Orchestra (4.25) Heavier pulse with drone like backing, finishes with a jingle jangle.