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New Age/Jazz

Rating Scale: to

Artist:	LIZ STORY
Title:	"17 SECONDS TO ANYWHERE"
Label:	Windham Hill
Reviewed By:	Donn Jehs
Rating:

Piano virtuoso Liz Story once again gives us an album filled with delightful, soothing, meditative music. Playing her own compositions, she exhibits the touch and artistry that makes her music a joy to the soul. "Captain April" rolls off the keys like a spring shower, persistently batting itself against the windows of your mind, pleading to be let in. A pleasant monotony like the rain it mimics. Then, like a whisper, the trills of Liz's play seep into your consciousness on "Rumours of Discipline," only to take on a strong, almost martial air, imparting the feeling of stately orderliness. This song parades along taking you in its wake. A baby's first thoughts, "Beginners Mind," is simple and pure. A melody unencumbered with difficulty, but strong and vibrant like new life. These are the images Liz can bring to mind. "Voices" is an insistent, impatient piece that begs for attention moving up and down the keyboard importuning you to "listen." "Out Of Time" is slow and soft, to take you away for the moment to another place where time stands still, and you can contemplate the beauty of the music. You have to cultivate patience as you wait for each precious note to appear. The title song, "17 Seconds To Anywhere," is a commentary on the immediacy of life, of the short time it takes to connect, whether it be with the internet or with each other. The next song almost echoes this thought of "Easy Access," with a similar melody played just a shade quicker. "The Promise" is a piece that never quite delivers and seems to have a hesitation about it, and where it's going. It meanders about and is less satisfying than the rest. A little chill is suggested with "Short Fur Coat" as you wrap the music around you, but still can't escape the winter air. "Foxglove" blooms, opening up like a new bud to the sun, warmed by its touch and encouraged to show its beauty. A reflective piece, encouraging you to stop and hear the music. The final cut is the only non-Story composition, "Remember Me This Way," which seems to have some background noise that may or may not be intentional, but which hardly leaves you wanting to remember her that way. "17 Seconds To Anywhere" - including the CD player to push replay.

 

 

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