Kevin Ferguson - Piano Concerto, Symphony & Sonata (2008)Debone Music

Have you ever listened to Vitalij Kuprij's solo works? This Ukrainian piano and keyboard virtuoso has two faces: hard rock/metal and classical, that's why there are neoclassical metal and solo piano releases in his discography. The same situation is with an American virtuoso who decided to record the first classical album (the 5th solo stuff in total). Prior to releasing aforementioned disc he recorded four instrumental guitar-orientated albums.

Some musicians are perfect playing a given instrument and inept doing it with another one, but it doesn't concern Kevin Ferguson who is not only a guitar ace, but also a consummate piano master who reveals his classical face very adroitly. The material is divided into 3-movement "Piano Concerto", "Thanksgiving Sonata" and 6-movement "Sonata Duet". His compositions are not re-runs of the same, but they are diverse by various moods being contrastly juxtaposed. There are many absorbing leitmotives and unexpected instrumental turns. Kevin, inspired by classical composers-giants like Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Antonio Vivaldi, offers us a type of music performed in solemn, and almost majestic tone. Obviously, MIDI tools, which produce a synthetic sound, can be annoying to the listeners, but their use is all about the idea Kevin wanted to pass on, and one should admit that it is very interesting. Moreover, the stuff shows his potential that can be used by the participation of a live orchestra. If you want to get in a time machine that will transmit you to baroque and romanticism, this piece of music is meant for you!