The father of four children himself, Thomas mentioned to me that he was often moved to tears as he composed this music. He also said, “It’s difficult to explain, but sometimes it felt like I was watching myself compose. At the risk of sounding presumptuous, it honestly felt like God gave me the music in those moments at the piano and I got to participate (and worship) in His music project. It still leaves me speechless and humbled at times. So He gets the credit for the good in it.”  Each piece tells a different story, but all are composed and played with such love and gentleness that it’s impossible to pick favorites. This is obviously a very unusual album, but the bottom line is that all of the piano solos are quiet and heartfelt, offering feelings of peace and calm.

John Albert Thomas is offering free (or “name your price”) digital downloads of Now I Sleep from his site, www.johnalbertthomas.com, in addition to the CDs. The CDs contain two bonus tracks that are not included in the digital version as well as the 12-page booklet that brings even more meaning to the music. The two bonus tracks are Thomas’ arrangement of “Baby Mine” from the Disney movie Dumbo and “Scandalous Grace,” composed for a young lady on her 21st birthday. Now I Sleep is available from www.johnalbertthomas.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Recommended!

Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
5/30/11

Zuzu’s Petals is the third release from pianist/composer John Albert Thomas, but it is a first for me. And what a charming album it is! The title comes from a scene in the film It’s A Wonderful Life when Jimmy Stewart’s character finds the flower petals his daughter, Zuzu, left in his coat pocket, reminding him of the truly important things in life. The father of three young daughters and a son, Thomas says of this music: “This album is about innocence and purity. It is about flowers, dancing, fairy tales, and just about everything else little girls dream about.” Three of the pieces are “piano portraits” Thomas composed for people – an interesting sideline he has created with his music. All eleven tracks are solo piano, and all are sweet, uncluttered, and heartfelt – a delight to listen to!

The title track begins the album with a lighthearted mood and a touch of poignance – a warm and inviting welcome. “Be Still and Know” is a bit more subdued, but is touching in its quiet simplicity. “In The Shadow of Your Wing” is one of my favorites – delicate and playful with an interesting rhythmic pattern. I keep coming back to this one! “Lullaby For Hope” is another favorite. Very gentle and tender with an Asian influence, it is incredibly soothing and calming. “Blessed” is also very tranquil, referring to Psalm 32 in The Bible, a psalm about the peace of forgiveness. “Waltz of the Wildflowers” picks up the tempo a bit with a graceful and elegant dance – beautiful! “Glass Slipper” is as sweet and wistful as a little girl’s daydream about a fairy tale world. “The King’s Daughter” is a fairy tale itself. It begins very slowly and simply, hinting at another time long in the past. The second theme is more energetic and suggests some kind of action – perhaps two handsome princes vying for the princess’ hand. The third movement returns to the gentle sweetness of the first and then reprises the second, ending with a whisper. Quite a story and my favorite piece on this album! The closing piece is a third part to the fairy tale trilogy, “The Prince On the White Horse.” An uncomplicated love song that tells of innocence and joy, it’s a happy ending to a wonderful musical storybook.

Zuzu’s Petals is a beautiful album for quiet times or to calm and soothe after a busy day. Sure to bring a smile to the young and young at heart, it is available from www.johnalbertthomas.com, CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes. Recommended!

Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com

It’s such an honor to receive this recommendation from Kathy.  Please be sure to check out her other CD reviews and artist interviews at MainlyPiano.com.