Yesterday Once More (Original Piano Melodies for the Eclectic Romantic)

Artist: Dennis Leogrande
Label: Rubato Music
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1

UPC: 634479007309
EAN: 0634479007309
ASIN: B0002LSZPY

Release Date: 2004-07-11

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Tracks:

Yesterday Once More - Anthony Bernarducci
I Should Have Told You - Anthony Bernarducci
Empty Chair - Anthony Bernarducci
Then Again... - Anthony Bernarducci
Reflections - Anthony Bernarducci
The Heart Remembers - Dennis Leogrande
Through Her Eyes - Anthony Bernarducci
Once We Loved - Anthony Bernarducci
In the Mist of Memories - Anthony Bernarducci
Winter's Ways - Anthony Bernarducci
Waiting Out the Rain - Anthony Bernarducci
All You Need To Know - Anthony Bernarducci
Ain't That the Truth! - Dennis Leogrande
Just the Other Day - Anthony Bernarducci
Been There-Twice - Anthony Bernarducci

Customer Reviews:

Indie-Music.com: .......2005-10-15

I have a collection of CDs I call Sunday morning music. Most of it is soothing music played on a solo instrument that's perfect for a lazy weekend morning, window open, a cool breeze drifting in, as I slowly wake up. This CD definitely belongs there, as well as the group of CDs reserved for romantic candlelight dinners or for anytime when everything's all right with the world. It almost ruins it to tell you that these moving solo jazz/pop piano pieces were written in response to 9/11. And while some are melancholy, they are remarkably hopeful songs and indeed, would be healing for any one in any circumstance.

Leogrande composed the pieces while Bernarducci, an accomplished musician, played most of them. Yesterday Once More starts with a delicate melody but evolves into more forceful chords, as if to make a strong statement. In fact, many of the songs here seem like a conversation, with a relaxing flow that leaves time for the melody to breathe. There's no metronome ticking in the background, no rush to complete the melodic phrases. On his website Leogrande comments, "A well constructed harmony compliments a unique melody," and he proves that on "All You Need to Know." It has a pleasing harmony that repeats as the rest of the song builds around it. "The Heart Remembers" begins with an ascending melody that has lots of space. A high descant drifts in and weaves around those first notes.

My only complaint - and it's a small one - is that he tends to overuse certain chord voicings. Still, I'm happy to play this any Sunday morning. You will too.

-- Jamie Anderson, [...]

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-04-06

From the album title, I expected "Yesterday Once More" to be nostalgic and "old-timey" piano solos, but it is instead a very interesting collection of edgy compositions that combine classical and smooth jazz elements. Some of the pieces are melodic, some are more rhythmic and carefree, and the titles suggest the wide variety of human experiences and emotions that are depicted in the music. Of the fifteen tracks, thirteen are performed by Anthony Bernarducci, and the other two by Dennis Leogrande himself. Some of the chords and harmonies are quite different and sometimes surprising, making the pieces unpredictable and allowing them to unfold and reveal themselves with each listening. On his site, Leogrande states that he is "not bound by rules," preferring to follow the creative process without controlling it. Leogrande does write his music down as he is composing it, but many of the pieces sound freely improvised and spontaneous.

The title track opens the CD. Reflective and pensive, this piece is quite melodic and gentle. "I Should Have Told You" is darker and more melancholy, and its deep emotion really communicates. "Reflections" is one of my favorites. Introspective and passionate, the melody flows around the piano keys with a rubato tempo that underscores the expressiveness of the piece. "The Heart Remembers" is one of the two pieces played by Leogrande, and it makes me wonder why he didn't do more of the playing himself on the other tracks. This piece is quite beautiful and deeply felt, and is also a favorite. I also really like "Once We Loved" and "In the Mist of Memories," which are a bit more structured than some of the other pieces. The melodies are once again quietly reflective and have a sense of longing. "Ain't That the Truth!" is the other piece played by Leogrande, and this is my favorite track. Jazzy, bluesy, and more than a little bit whimsical, this piece sounds like a blast to play, and you can almost hear it smile.

"Yesterday Once More" is quite a unique listening experience. Ear candy it isn't, but if you enjoy laid-back music with an edgy, intellectual quality, give this one a try. Samples are available at www.dennisleogrande.com. A companion sheet music book of all fifteen pieces is also available.

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