A Wild Beauty
From MainlyPiano
author: Kathy Parsons
“A Wild Beauty” is the second release by Seattle pianist Rhonda Mackert and was inspired by experiences she and her husband had on a cruise through Alaska. The fifteen piano solos are soothing and graceful, yet they convey a sense of wonder and awe. The album was recorded at Joe Bongiorno’s Piano Haven Studio, and the piano sound is warm, rich and crystal clear. Mackert’s song titles are descriptive, but her liner notes give an even better idea of where each piece came from; Matt Strieby’s always-excellent art direction completes a very lovely package. The album begins with “You Beside Me,” which was inspired by a perfect moment when everything in the world seemed right. “Blissful” is the first word that comes to mind, but tenderness and feelings of love also sing through the notes. “First Light” is one of my favorites. It begins with only a few notes and a lot of sustain, creating a sense of vast openness and stillness. The tempo quickens a bit as the piece develops, but it maintains serenity and calm throughout. I also really like “Blue Ice,” which was inspired by glaciers and ice floes. It begins in the upper registers of the piano, bright and sparkling, and then becomes more dramatic, depicting the power of the moving ice. “A Quiet Day in Ketchikan” is tranquility set to music – pure contentment and grace. “A Wild Beauty” uses a bit of extra reverb (or pedal) to create a sense of atmosphere as well as open space. As the pace picks up, feelings of motion and excitement build and then return to the original theme – gorgeous! “On Silver Waters” gently glides with effortless motion, hypnotic in its peacefulness – another favorite. “Glacier Bay” and “Inside Passage” continue in a similar mood, each with its own magical story to tell. The lively and joyful “Bow Riders” was inspired by watching porpoises putting on a spontaneous show in the ship’s bow wake – a delight! “Solus” tells of watching a solitary grizzly bear looking for food along the shore. Poignant and touching with feelings of aloneness and perhaps loneliness, it’s a wonderful piece! “Night Song” closes the album with a composition about the dark, quiet beauty of the night at sea – a calm yet magical ending to an exceptional album! If you are looking for some peaceful yet compelling solo piano music, this is a great choice! Recommended!
When the Moon Cries
When I first heard Rhonda Mackert’s CD “When the Moon Cries” released in 2007, I felt a personal connection to her compositions and a tasteful touch on the piano. Rhonda’s expressions are spiritual, emotional and tender. When I read that Rhonda was also a flutist, it made sense to me hearing her melodic writing incorporated in the compositions.
I was delighted when Rhonda agreed to let me feature her and the music on Sky.fm’s Solo Piano Channel. My audience enjoyed her feature and we are still playing Rhonda’s tracks daily in our playlist. I look forward to the next release.
Gary Farr,
Sky.fm Solo Piano Channel Creator, Programmer and Host
Pres. of Secret Formula Records, Inc.
When the Moon Cries
Rhonda Mackert’s solo piano debut “When the Moon Cries” is a must buy for those looking to touch nearly every emotion in one hours time.
Rhonda Mackert is a musician/pianist from Washington state, and this solo piano project is the first of many promising CD’s… It’s the heart beating behind the keyboard that makes her music special to any listener of Moon Cries.
Rhonda shows depth and maturity in her compositions and we can be certain that her future projects will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. But for now, Moon Cries stands on its own beauty and touches every emotion the heart can render.
Paul Gentry,
Sockspider Radio
