Quail Song is Glenn Stallcop's sixteenth album of solo piano improvisation and while I've already picked up a few of his previous released, I'm really going to have to find time to purchase some of his earlier work just to see how he's progressed over the years.

I've been a little disheartened by modern classical music of late. I've reviewed far too many releases where there's no soul or feeling of who the composer is or what they're about. With Quail Song, Stallcop lets us into his life and bares his soul for all to see.

Improvisation can leave you cold if it's not handled well. But when the musician pours emotion into the playing and melds minds with their instrument, the results can be truly magical - as they are on this recording.

Quail Song contains 7 pieces (48 min, 30 sec) and was inspired by the sounds of nature, most notable the early morning noises in the countryside, with the Gambel's Quail plays an important role.

It's also a snapshot of a segment of Stallcop's life, as he attempts to interpret into music his feelings when he moved to a new environment and the first morning was awoken by a cacophony of birdsong - a sound that now represents a comfortable start to his day all these years later.

Even if you are not necessarily a fan of improvisational music, you may find this to be and interesting collection of themes. There's no doubting the fact that Stallcop has poured a lot of his heart and soul into this recording.

8

Darren Rea