Setting the tone with rolling and elegant keys expanding with dynamism and cinematic nuance, Klein & Jamison open their collaborative concept album, Eight Paintings for Piano with drama, intricacy and poetic grace, performed by Katie Hughes.
The opening track Lucky Seven showcases not only the instrumental mastery, but the charismatic approach that the creator take to bring to life their story. Mid way though the opus, the journey takes on a minor key, adding dimensionality to the already vigorous composition. In a full circle manner, the piece returns to its original form and we feel at one with the creators.
Next up is Fugal, which start with an enigmatic, single note melody, evolving with a sense of melancholia, attached to a timeless nature and historically in line with the name of the track itself. We appreciate the drama that ensues and the baroque-adjacent elements of the piece.
Three Words holds a meditative energy before taking on a playful guise. We learn that Jim Klein and Ian Jamison, who are based in Colorado and Arizona, have been collaborating since 2018, and their collective experience is tangible on the conceptual record.
Next up is Two Little Boys Lost in the Woods, which takes our imagination on an adventure that features a connection with the outdoors, whilst also showcasing the more dramatic elements of how it would feel to be disorientated. We appreciate the astral keys which bring on a more optimistic energy and the final ascension gives us a sense of hope of being found.
Palomino opens with elegance and a theatrical vibe with and expansive nature, and exquisite use of the lower range of the instrument. King Edward’s Debacle takes us on a more transcendental trip at first, evolving with natural grace and evoking a sense of mystery. Under the Yellow Umbrella takes us back to the more cinematic nature of what Klein & Jamison offer with their art, and we are in awe of the range exhibited by the creators.
Finally, Big opens with rising keys and a modernistic, yet subtly jarring approach, guaranteed to evoke passion within those privileged enough to experience the opus. Astral elements are juxtaposed with the lower range of the instrument, and what we know for certain is that each experience on the Klein & Jamison record showcases a sense of uniqueness, whilst remaining cohesive to the wider theme of the album.
Each of the compositions correlate with eight paintings by co-writer Jim Klein, and the creators tell us “each one depicts a different mood or story”. You can see the paintings in the single artwork (above), and for a more in depth look, one can visit Jim Klein’s Instagram account.
We have added Lucky Seven to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of the artists, and anticipate future releases and performances from Klein & Jamison.