by David Stanwood
recorded at the Stanwood Piano Studio/Workshop
On the Island of Martha's Vineyard
September 2016
SIX MEDITATIONS
Piano Improvisations by David Stanwood
David Stanwood is both a pianist and
piano restoration expert. The music
was recorded on a
piano recently restored at his workshop in West Tisbury Massachusetts on the Island of
Martha's Vineyard. The instrument is a Mason & Hamlin model A Grand, made in Boston in the
year 1905. Over a period of 11 months the piano was completely disassembled and remade
with a new soundboard, strings, and custom balanced action. The recordings were made as the
project neared completion. Stanwood improvised in-the-moment with little or no preconception
of what he was going to play. The order of tunes is in the same order as they were played.
piano recently restored at his workshop in West Tisbury Massachusetts on the Island of
Martha's Vineyard. The instrument is a Mason & Hamlin model A Grand, made in Boston in the
year 1905. Over a period of 11 months the piano was completely disassembled and remade
with a new soundboard, strings, and custom balanced action. The recordings were made as the
project neared completion. Stanwood improvised in-the-moment with little or no preconception
of what he was going to play. The order of tunes is in the same order as they were played.
INTRODUCTION & EXPLORATION
after being silent during the 11
month restoration. It is the
initial exploration of the
pianos' newly found tone and touch.
2. Old Friend 12:20 Further exploration with a trustworthy & simple improvisational form.
pianos' newly found tone and touch.
2. Old Friend 12:20 Further exploration with a trustworthy & simple improvisational form.
TRIO - Meditation with Birds
3. Blue Jays 10:53 Turn up the volume and Listen carefully to hear the Blue Jays calling.
4. Crows 9:32 Crows outside joined me in this improvisation on a simple two note theme.
5. Hens 6:43 A resonant meditation ending with hens announcing a newly laid egg.
FINALE
6. Take Me Away 14:29 Pianist and listener journey to a magical place in time and space.
Special thanks to my musical mentors: Erik Satie (1866 - 1925), Rudolf Serkin (1903 - 1991),
Rubén González (1919 - 2003), Keith Jarrett (1945 - ),
Paul Sullivan (1955 - ), and Jacqueline Schwab (1955 - )
© STANWOODPIANO INNOVATIONS INC. 2016 stanwoodpiano.com
Original Improvised in-the-moment Piano Music
Found to be effective for:
The Pure Joy of Listening, Relaxing, Meditation, Yoga, De-Stressing,
Making Love, Centering, Easing Chronic Pain, Sound Space for Creative Activities,
Art Gallery Ambiance, Supporting Women in Labor, Nursing babies, Healing,
Baking Bread, Cooking, Driving, Deep Listening, Consolation,
Dealing with Grief & Loss, Letting go - crying, Hospice
1 hour in length
Scroll down for notes on the music
Martha's Vineyard Gazette Article Friday January 13, 2017
Martha's Vineyard Gazette review of the CD release concert January 15, 2017
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