Search - Philip Aaberg :: Out of the Frame

A Fine and Private Place

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 12/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the many thinks I like about Philip Aaberg is that her is a two-handed pianist. By that I mean that he does much more than play a melody against an innocuous left hand line. He can move from simply melodic presentation to a complex mix of harmonic and rhythmic voices at will. All the while making this sound as easy as the early Czerny exercises. Frankly, I'm jealous.Out of the Frame, one of my favorite Aaberg albums is marked by an easy diversity of style - quiet contemplative work like 'Nevertheless, Hello' - the structural solidity of 'Walking Through Walls' - and the driving style of 'Swoop,' for example. Aaberg is very much one of New Age's strongest musical talents, very much a peer of George Winston and Michael Jones. It would be very hard to pick a 'best' from that group, but I think Aaberg probably is the master at using control to extract every nuance of color from his instrument.This album is also notable for the musicians working with Aaberg - Michael Hedges, Barbara Higbie, Darol Anger and Mike Marshall, among others. Without argument, this is world class music in its genre - as thoughtful planned and executed as it is inspired. A key part of this listener's library."

Great Piano Album

J. Blilie | Twin Cities, MN | 01/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Philip Aaberg is my favorite pianist. Phil's playing is stunning, very full of emotion. I would contrast his playing to, say, George Winston's by saying that Phil's playing is more intense, tighter, more musically complex. He is classically trained but has played rock, jazz, etc.This is my favorite record by Phil; but they are all good. This is not simply background music, it can be listened to closely, unlike much of the "New Age" genre. His use of guitar and percussion on the record are excellent. "Before Barbed Wire" gives me shivers: it is so beautiful and full of longing for the unspoiled West."

A beautiful album by a terrific artist

G. Marshall | Hyattsville, MD, United States | 09/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I heard Phillip Aaberg's music was on Windam Hill's Sanctuary CD collection. I was entranced by his song on that album (Every Deep Dream on "Upright") and went out and got this album to see what his other songs were like.



Phillip Aaberg is the sort of pianist that I want to be, one who is comfortable playing jazz, new age, classical, rock, you name it. He is an exceptional talent both performing and composing, and this album is the perfect example of that. His other two "old" albums are great as well, but if I had to choose one, I would choose this one. The background vocals and guitar/ensemble work is wonderful as well, and the tunes vary from the hauntingly beautiful "Before Barbed Wire" and "Call and Response" to the upbeat and slightly funky "Full Court Pickup" and many points inbetween. This album transcends the "New Age" label that makes one think of elevator music or sweet noise, this is ART. Bravo!"