 Richard
Abel
"Romance" CD
Self-released
Genres: easy listening, classical
Aug 13 - 19 2004 |
Richard Abel's list of credentials is surely an impressive one
- he's played for presidents, sold platinum records, and even been
nominated for a Juno Award, the Canadian equivalent to a Grammy (heck,
this album was nominated!) Romance is his latest, highly
publicized CD, and this time around he's given love songs a try.
I can't say I'm the biggest fan of classical easy listening music, but
this seems like a very well-done, if overly straightforward
album. While Romance doesn't share the sense of irony
that characterizes the film of the same name, that can only be
expected with this type of light classical pop - it knows what it is,
and doesn't try to be anything particularly deep or spectacular.
In these fourteen songs, we get glossy, comforting, and accessible
music performed by a spiffy-dressing, likeable pianist.
"Love Theme From Out of Africa" and "With Your
Eyes" are simple, technically sound renditions, though they offer
nothing new or original. Only the title-track, a gentle piece of
Muzak-inspired lite-pop, is actually Abel's own composition;
the rest are standards and French Canadian songs.
I'm not going to join the "Richard Abel Fan Club"
(YET...), but I do think this could make a wise purchase for mature
listeners in pursuit of some peaceful, relaxing classical music.
80%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
14 tracks, distributed by the
artist, released 2004] |
