Search - Wayne Gratz :: Reminiscence

Be Foreground

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 01/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Some music is destined to become background music. Not that that is necessarily bad, understand. New age music is especially prone to this, especially the more whimsical tunefulness that is often the case. This is often labeled mood music or meditation music, but it really is just good listening while reading or thinking or doing. Reminiscence, one of Gratz's early albums is a perfect example of this genre.Gratz is mostly a pianist, with some guitar. His themes are simply, easy listening, with a moderate amount of ornamentation. His harmonies are soft, as are his dynamics as well. His primary sin is a tendency to over orchestrate to fill in the spaces. Again, this isn't bad, but it makes it even harder to notice Gratz's skills as a pianist. Instead one navigates through the sound like a canoe on still water.Often, you can find this album on sale at attractive prices. While not overwhelming, it is endearing enough to be worth having. There are many times when it has filled the spaces admirably and created those little moments of peace that can turn around a day."