Composer: Jenny Beck, Claude Achille Debussy, Donald Martino
Performer: James W. Iman
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Divine Art
Catalogue: MEX77114
Release: 2023
Size: 1.22 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Debussy: Images pour piano – Book 1
01. I. Reflets dans l’eau
02. II. Hommage à Rameau
03. III. Mouvement
Debussy: Images pour piano – Book 2
04. I. Cloches à travers les fuilles
05. II. Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fut
06. III. Poissons d’or
Beck: Still Stand Here
07. I.
08. II.
09. III.
10. IV.
11. V.
Martino: Fantasies and Impromptus
12. I. Fantasy – II. Impromptu – III. Impromptu – IV. Impromptu (omaggio)
13. V. Fantasy
14. VI. Impromptu – VII. Impromptu (omaggio) – VIII. Impromptu – IX. Fantasy
A musical journey, James W. Iman’s latest album, IMAN II, is a stunning blend of classical and contemporary piano compositions that will leave you spellbound. Four years in the making, this album is the culmination of Iman’s passion for Debussy and Donald Martino, as well as his premiere of work from composer and sound designer, Jenny Beck. Iman’s masterful interpretations of Martino’s Fantasies and Impromptus are nothing short of awe-inspiring, and his renditions of Debussy’s works provide the perfect contrast, bringing together the past and present in a way that is both exciting and unique. But it is Beck’s electrifying compositions that truly set this album apart. Iman says, “I have played Stand Still Here more times than any other work in my repertoire. Each of the five pieces that comprise the work are brief–the longest is four minutes–but Jenny Beck achieves a depth of introspection and emotional sweep that is absolutely magnetic.” What makes Beck’s work so remarkable is the way she achieves such depth and complexity with seemingly simple motives and harmonies. The pieces on this album hover and linger, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience that is nothing short of miraculous. Iman’s passion and dedication to this project are evident in every note he plays. He has crafted a captivating album that showcases his skill as a pianist and his ability to bring together the best of the past and present in a way that is fresh, exciting, and deeply moving.