Rebecca Brandt: Numbers and Shapes

Excerpts From the Press Biography:

Every original song on this record tells a story. It is a unique set of reflections, with it's own tones, ranges, sounds and images, gifted - from Brandt to the listener. Opening with "Staying Silent," fresh sounds flow throughout the first tracks, the percussion keeps time, while Ashley Bozian-Murtha's flute floats. Alex Beckmann's drums again highlight the second track, "Run," creating a contrast for Brandt's piano and Marc Plotkin's sax. It's all Brandt and Beckmann for "The Clock Breaks At Three," bringing mystery and intrigue, with stepwise progressions, accented by cymbals. Vocals, by Alexandra Milak, bring a whisper breeze, that illuminates to running percussive beats and wonderful melodies, complete with Sam Budish on marimbas.

Brandt has fun with song titles such as, "Jewelry Box." As if in a fairytale, you could imagine it open, sparkling, with treasures inside, unique and glimmering, introducing themselves, one by one. Then, once the gems are spilling out, the merging of beautiful images blends together. There are two violin tracks on this song, Amanda Lo, Patti Kilroy, and David Fallo is on viola. "The Moment," as a title, is an elegant understatement for this closing piece. It is orchestral, magnificent and gracious, in how it builds, layer upon layer, to a community of sound. Phuttaraksa Kamnirdratana on harp adds a classical touch, while the entire piece is very intense.

Rebecca Brandt, as a pianist, is obviously talented and more gifted still, is her ability to collaborate with the other wonderful musicians on Numbers and Shapes. Each song is a showcase for their beautiful soundscapes and journey to the ears! While I don't hear the progressive rock tones of Rush or Pink Floyd, I do find this album to be intriguing, and thoroughly enjoyable. Put it on your music player, let it welcome and transition, exit, let go of, the various moods and stories, that may come to mind as you listen. It is more classical than jazz, but the blended forms and creative instrumentation, make Rebecca Brandt a stand out composer of many genres.