Michael Dulin - These Are the Moments (2012)

These Are the Moments is a generous collection of 16 of Michael Dulin's most requested original songs and arrangements from six of his releases from 2002 to 2012. The CD is a whopping 1.2 hours long and includes a completely new song, Winter Dreams, featuring music by Dulin and lyrics written and sung by sensational singing talent Jeania Major. Major's powerful soprano voice and Dulin's music bring this stellar CD to a stunning climax. Whether you are already a fan of Michael Dulin's music or have yet to discover him, These Are the Moments is a MUST-HAVE CD!

These Are the Moments is a collection of pianist/composer extraordinaire Michael Dulin s most requested original songs and arrangements from six of his releases from 2002-2012. The sixteen tracks include a new piano/vocal piece that reveals another musical side of Dulin. This collection gives a really nice overview of Dulin s work to date and flows beautifully when played from start to finish. A classically-trained Juilliard graduate and one of the most effortless and accomplished pianists on the planet, Dulin's sensitive touch and compelling playing style put him in a league of his own among contemporary pianist/composers. I have been fortunate enough to see Dulin play in concert several times, and he s even more impressive live - as in jaw-dropping! These Are The Moments begins with Once Upon a Time from Atmospheres (2003). This gentle, dreamy piece combines piano with background keyboard washes - a sound Dulin has become known for. Simply Satie comes from Timeless (2004) and is a gorgeous adaptation of the first of Erik Satie's Three Gymnopedies. Dulin adds many embellishments not in the original piece, but they do not overwhelm the delicate melody. I love this! The One I Waited For comes from the album by the same name (2002) and was composed for Dulin's wife, Jan - a tender and loving tribute. The Swan comes from Timeless 2 (2010), and is another original arrangement of a well-known classical piece, this time by Saint-Saens. The second half of the piece is a cello and piano duet that is as graceful as they come. Follow the River picks up the tempo with the spirited and joyous title track from Dulin's most-recent album (2008) of all-original music. Mary's Babe's A-Sleeping was composed for Christmas At Our House (2005), but is such a wonderful piece that it needs to be heard year-round. This is definitely one of my very favorite Dulin pieces, as is Night Rhythms from Atmospheres, which introduces a smooth jazz element to the mix - sultry and intoxicating. Captiva Nights is another all-time favorite with its easy motion and tranquil mood. Other titles include Common Faith, Wedding Day, Siren Song, and Moonlight Sonata. The new track, Winter Dreams, features music by Dulin and lyrics written and sung by Jeania Major. Major's powerful soprano voice and Dulin s lovely orchestration make this closing track a standout. Whether you are a long-time fan of Michael Dulin's music or have yet to discover his exceptional musical gifts, These Are the Moments is a wonderful addition to your collection. The release date for this album is September 4, 2012. Very highly recommended!

How many times have you wished for an album that had wondrous contemporary piano pieces rooted in demanding classical signatures? This new compilation album by pianist Michael Dulin is what you re waiting for. These Are The Moments is an album that subdues the cravings of any classical audiophile/New Age listener. I have known Dulin for a decade and I can tell you he is one of the most serious, demanding musicians I have ever met. His attention to musical detail is sometimes Draconian, but it always yields an album that delights and surprises the listener. Once Upon a Time, from Atmospheres, is a story song that starts out with a question of what ifs and ends with a promise of happily ever after. Michael premiers his signature riffs in this magical tune of storytelling. The One I Waited For, is one of the most poignant tunes on the album, and it exudes the everlasting love Michael has for Jan, his wife. This is an old timey sepia-glazed love story, a valentine with a big red bow and a musical love letter on vintage parchment all rolled into one for the love of his life, his muse, his emotional compass. Greater love hath no man that one that transmutes passion into music. Winter Dreams introduces vocalist Jeania Major to Michael's latest song written for the album. Jeania's light operatic style adds an intricate dimension to the fairy realm tune. The melody sparkles with glistening snowflakes dancing in a world fraught with snow queens, mischievous elves and ice so clear that the sky is bluer than blue. With sixteen tracks on These Are The Moments it is easy to relive some of Michael Dulin's greatest musical moments that fans and newbies can share and appreciate. The fun thing about a Michael Dulin album is it is whimsical, yet masterful in the way he incorporates classical standards into his contemporary tunes. It is always a fun challenge to hear a song and know I know it in the back of my mind. Then the answer hits and I am surprised and enthralled. Every time.

Tracklist:

01. Once Upon a Time
02. Simply Satie
03. The One I Waited For
04. The Swan
05. Follow the River
06. Mary's Babe's a-Sleeping
07. Night Rhythms
08. Common Faith
09. Moonlight Sonata
10. Siren Song
11. Wedding Day
12. Captiva Nights
13. Bedtime for Little John
14. Without a Word
15. Promised Land
16. Winter Dreams