Within Memory Review at MuzikReviews.com

 Craig Urquhart
Within Memory

I’ll admit it: I’m a bit of a sucker for good piano music. And Craig Urquhart’s album Within Memory definitely hits the spot as far as piano music goes.

First off, Within Memory is an album of completely pure piano. There’s no distraction from the presence of other instruments accompanying Urquhart, which allows his piano playing to really shine.

The songs are mellow and easy to listen to across the board, but Urquhart manages to play with styles within each track. Heavy chords are meshed with delicate high notes to create a musical contrast that’s almost haunting in how beautiful it is.

Not all of the songs have the heavy undertones to them, though. Several of the tracks have a very light feel and elegance to them. What’s interesting about these tracks, though, is that, even in their lightness, there’s a sort of melancholy to them at the same time.

I can’t really describe what it is that gives the songs this feel, but I found myself at several points throughout Within Memory becoming a bit sad. But honestly? I would consider this a good thing. It’s an impressive feat for instrumental music to elicit emotion beyond “Oh, this is nice to listen to,” and Urquhart nails it, making the listener have to connect with his music.

Within Memory is an absolutely gorgeous collection of instrumental work that unfolds like a story told through the songs, rather than an album of individual, disconnected tracks. Definitely take the time to have a listen—you won’t be disappointed.

Key Tracks: The Garden, October Bright Blue, Prairie Flowers

Carly Doenges—Sr. MuzikReviews Staff

November 6, 2010

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