This new solo project that brings together works of Chopin, jazz, and Brazilian repertoire is simply, for me, a way to focus on the beauty of the sound of the piano. I recorded this material on an instrument that allowed me to move in harmonic directions that I had not planned in advance. In fact, the free improvisations that interweave with the Chopin tracks were not something I'd planned to record. I often play free to get inside of the sound of whatever piano I am playing. Because my arrangement of the Chopin works are fairly intricate, playing free reminded me of the sheer beauty of creating sound.
Some of the Chopin pieces I've selected come from my growing up years as a classical piano student. The first track, the well-loved Nocturne in E-flat major, is something I initially studied in sixth grade. Coming back to this piece both as an interpreter and as an improviser is, in a way, the closing of a circle: I look back and see the little girl who was so nervous when she won a piano competition and had to perform the piece in front of a room full of people that she walked up to the stage with her shoulders held up to her ears. By doing this recording, I am thanking that little girl for continuing to pursue the beautiful sound of the piano that continues to sustain her and that also gives life to others around her.
I need your help in releasing this recording. Click on the pic above to pre-order and "fuel" the project, and click here to hear individual soundclips. Thank you for your continued support and open ears.

Click on the video below for an introduction to Deanna's Chopin project!