Attila Gibson – Indelible Piano
Reviewed 10/2013 by Cathy Oakes
A very courageous undertaking with its improvisational style and its compositional structure of fourteen movements of one piece, I find much to admire in Atilla Gibson’s first CD effort, Indelible Piano. His near-athletic ability on the piano is admirable. I found the tuning issues with the piano, itself a little distracting. But overall, this was a disc that was audibly pleasing with its themes weaving in and out of each movement, tying the piece together as a whole.
Comparing this disc to a visual experience, I would say that it is much like wandering from room to room in a palatial mansion. There are 14 “rooms,” each with its own unique flavor and flair, yet, unmistakably part of the whole.
Movement 1 begins quietly, building through runs and varying meters to a climax with strong chords and driving rhythms to “wake” the listener and entice the ear to want to hear more. Movement 2 literally chimes in with beautiful, complex chords ringing quietly. This piece has almost a music box feel and is a wonderful contrast to the more forceful opening movement.
Other personal favorites include Movement 6, which consists of surprising chords that made me catch my breath, amazing finger work and a lilting, Gypsy flavor. Movement 10 is slower and more pensive with a beautiful, almost haunting melody. The cadenza-like beginning to Movement 11 hints at a Spanish flair. The piece continues in that Spanish flavor with beautiful arpeggios that soar. The quieter, more reflective mood of Movement 12 is a nice contrast to the rest of the work. Movement 14 begins with “chimes” that are reminiscent of Movement 2 and wraps this disc up well with a “not quite” finality that leaves the listener wondering what adventures await in the sequel. Well played, Mr. Gibson!
If I were to offer any criticism of this effort, it would be of the tuning issues in the piano and the occasional ambient noises. Of course, as is inherent and even expected of any improvisational work, there is the occasional “oops” in a wrong note or smudged fingering. In this case, those are few and far between. Also, as often found in improvisation, is the tendency to simplify the harmonic foundation by rocking back and forth between the I and IV chords. This allows the pianist the freedom to skip the right hand acrobatically above the harmony of the left hand. However, there are many patrons of this genre of music who prefer this style and consider it to be desirable. They will find this disc to be very soothing and pleasing to the ear.
Over all, I would rate this work to be a strong 4 out of 5 stars. I consider Mr. Gibson to be a talented and promising young artist and look forward to hearing much more from him.
