Album Review: Always by Dan Chadburn

Review by Lissette Cascante 

A native of Oregon, professional musician and performer Dan Chadburn is a seasoned pianist, composer, arranger, and singer/songwriter with an extensive repertoire. Dan obtained a master’s degree in music in electro-acoustic composition at City University in London and has established himself as pianist extraordinaire, becoming a favourite in the new age/contemporary instrumental/solo piano genre. Additionally, his music and albums have received multiple awards and nominations. Past performance venues have included Carnegie Hall (New York), Symphony Hall (Boston) and The Kennedy Center (Washington, DC).

Dan’s latest album titled Always, released August 1, 2022 and recorded & mastered at Piano Haven Studio, is his ninth album so far in said genre and again he offers the listener a quiet and peaceful respite from the cares of a restless world. In Dan’s own words: “In recording ALWAYS, I wanted to create a collection of pieces for solo piano that celebrates the unfailing resilience of the human spirit, the steadfast courage of the human heart, the eternal existence and mystery of the human soul, and the remarkable, spiritual synchronicity of them all.”

Artistic, classy, and quiet, Dan’s music is infused with qualities of hope, reassurance, and mindful serenity. From the first song and title track “Always” to the last tune “Final Curtain” the album is like a soft pillow providing comfort and rest for a weary traveller, filling any empty spaces with warm tones and happy thoughts of everything that is beautiful in life. The arrangements are light and simple and the song titles thought-provoking and poignant. Dan gives us just enough to engage but not overwhelm; a loving, musical offering from a deep part of his soul. Dan composed all songs on the album except for “O Shenandoah”, which by the way he did an exquisite arrangement on this classic and beloved tune. It’s a favorite of mine and I love that he included it.

I enjoyed every tune on the album as I dimmed the lights, closed my eyes, and allowed the piano melodies to guide me into a meaningful and lovely listening experience.

Dan’s music has been deeply inspired by the people and events that shape our world. The profits generated by the sale of several tracks from Dan’s albums are donated to specific charitable organizations dear to his heart.

~Lissette Cascante for Auralscapes 

For more information, please visit Dan Chadburn's website. Always is also available at Amazon, Apple Music and more.

Album Review: Held in the Light by Dan Chadburn

Held in the Light (subtitled Solo Piano Improvisations) is the seventh solo piano album by pianist and composer, Dan Chadburn, which was recorded at Piano Haven Studios in Sedona, Arizona. A native of Oregon, Dan began studying piano at the age of nine and later earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance degree at Pacific Lutheran University. Later residing in London for a time to study electroacoustic composition, he has since become well-versed in both classical and modern musical traditions. Dedicated to his father and mother, Held in the Light features thirteen inspirational instrumentals, of which includes ten improvised solo piano renditions of his parents’ favorite traditional hymns and three original improvisations of his own.

Aptly introducing the album is “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”, an English Christian hymn dating to the late 1800’s, which was written by a Church of England vicar by the name of Edwin Hatch. A caressingly warm and radiant composition with a fitting song title to match, its melody seemingly conveys the essence of waking up to the blessings of a beautiful new day. Many listeners will instantly recognize the opening notes of “Be Thou My Vision”, which is a traditional hymn from Ireland. One of my favorite renditions herein, this gently lilting composition is frequently sung in both Old Irish and its later English translation. Also included is the famously beloved, “Amazing Grace”, one of the most popularly rendered hymnal classics of all time. Lending a beautifully improvisational twist to this song, Dan plays the main melody in the middle registers before subtly shifting into the higher registers and back again throughout. Although an instrumental rendition, I could easily imagine the song’s comforting lyrics singing along in my mind while listening. Dan also puts a lovely spin on “Wondrous Love” (otherwise known as “What Wonderful Love Is This”), which is a widely-known Christian folk hymn with a melody derived from a popular English ballad. Among my favorite compositions on the album is one of three originals called “Breath of Life”, for which Dan also made an accompanying video of him playing the piece. Outwardly contemplative while emitting a subtle sparkle throughout, the piece effectively brings-to-mind the glowing dawn of an early-morning sunrise.

Certain to aid in calming and centering the mind while gently lifting the spirits, Held In the Light is yet another impressively composed and arranged album from Dan Chadburn. He mostly plays these tunes with a gentle hand in a melodically straightforward manner, while possessing an elegant piano-playing style that feels centered and focused. Additionally, Dan offers sheet music via his website where you can also check out his other wonderful recordings! ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon, iTunes, and more

This review was originally published on Journeyscapes Radio on 10/21/17.

Album Review: Beyond Words by Dan Chadburn

Dan Chadburn is a pianist and composer who has appeared on several compilation albums dedicated to various charitable causes alongside other notable and well-established pianists in the music scene. His sixth album, Beyond Words, is comprised of fourteen solo piano compositions, with each piece capturing a moment in time.

“Awakening” begins softly with high-register notes, where Dan initially lends a gentle touch to the keys before lower-register notes soon join in accompaniment. An emotional tenderness and graceful sentimentally is felt throughout the composition, likewise characterizing much of the album. Picking up the pace a notch is “Joyful Morning”, which exudes a distinct air of buoyancy and innocence like that of children playing and skipping about in the sunshine. Following next is the more contemplative “Healing Waters”, a piece that was inspired by an early morning swim at the seashore. One of my favorites, bolder mid-to-lower register chords provide a steady undercurrent for its delicately flowing higher register notes, perhaps to musically illustrate the ocean’s waves gently rolling in and out. The likewise intriguing “Crossroads” is about life’s journey and the varying paths to choose from, which is musically conveyed by its unpredictable melody that gently ebbs and flows throughout, with a subtly changing and evolving pace along its course. My absolute favorite composition herein is “Tears of Angels”, which was composed in memory of those killed and wounded at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12th, 2016. This unforgettable tragedy occurred in my hometown and directly affected the lives of many people in my community. Beginning in a solemn tone, sparse notes and spacious chords impart a sense of sorrowful comfort along the composition’s beautiful and perfectly understated melody. Interestingly, to say the least, its melody caught my attention even before I learned of the song’s inspiration. I’m also particularly fond of “Falling Forward”, which possesses a certain air of mystery and unknowing. The subtly waltzing and classical bent of the composition brings to mind that of a lone ballet dancer. Also especially noteworthy is the emotionally tender “Kal-Boy”, which was written in memory of Dan’s twenty-year-old cat on the evening he crossed the rainbow bridge. Conveying both the sorrow felt for his beloved pet’s passing along with the celebration of his life, this piece perfectly captures the emotions experienced during that most heartbreaking moment. Closing out the album with a peaceful optimism is “Lullaby for Peace”, which Dan has offered as “a prayer of hope for all of humanity to learn to live together”.

Inspired by “the people and events that shape our world”, Beyond Words is a deeply sincere and sentimentally imbued recording that subtly varies from gently uplifting to peacefully contemplative moods. Fans, especially, of the solo piano genre will likely find the characteristically non-intrusive and simple elegance of these compositions to be as overall lovely and comforting as I did! ~Candice Michelle

For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon, iTunes and more.

This review was originally published on Journeyscapes Radio on 10/24/16.