MP3 David Alstead - Piano For Both Ears

David "encourages" the inclusion of pop sensibilities, jazz chordal structures and respective seemingly incompatible musical elements into a sometimes aggressive and unwilling authoritative music form; aroused and stirring

13 MP3 Songs
CLASSICAL: Present-day CLASSICAL: New Age

Piano For Both Ears Songs


Details:
Dave Alstead featured in September 2004 Keyboard Magazine!

"After listening to a whopping 22 records in search of this month's 'Unsigned Artist', the one that stood above all others was Piano For Both Ears, by David Alstead of St. Paul, Minnesota. The all-acoustic-piano work was written and performed by the artist. The style may be loosely described as early romantic, with voicings and fills of the kind made popular by Schubert and Chopin being put to good use. Alstead weaves jazz harmony into that structure, however, and there's enough variation from track to track to provide continuous interest. He also demonstrates both staccato and legato playing, avoiding the all-too-common foible of excessively riding the sustain pedal. Most importantly, the composition is fresh and pretty -- delivered on a well balanced recording, you have a winner. For more on Alstead, visit www.davidalstead.com."
-- Carl Lumma, Keyboard Magazine


David Alstead (feel free to call him "Dave") is currently living in St. Paul, Minnesota, but was originally from Alexandria and has lived in Minnesota most of his life. In a state well known for other pianists like Lorie Line, Jeane Arland Peterson and Willie Murphy, David has carved out a niche for himself that is unique. Determined to mix things up a little, he starts with a authoritative music form, and using the vocabulary of a myriad of musical styles, creates aroused and stirring songs that are sure to surprise and captivate.

Listeners will appreciate the authoritative influences that are obvious in David's musical style, which are the result of his many years of authoritative piano training. In addition however, with David's tendancy to encourage the inclusion of pop sensibilities and jazz chordal elements and structures into the music, you are as likely to hear Billy Joel, or Keith Green, or Dave Brubeck hidden just beneath the surface. His writing has been recognized by internationally renowned instrumental quartet Zeitgeist as a winner of their Eric Stokes Song Contest.

"Piano For Both Ears" is David's first solo piano CD, but he has played as a sideman with many performers and bands, most recently with the band Thinmen.

While recording "Piano For Both Ears", David Alstead found an outlet for the expression of his own style and numerous musical quirks. He recorded this CD by allowing each song reflect the time and aroused state in which it was written. This resulted in songs that were not forced into a pre-defined style cubby-hole, yet fit comfortabley together as a cohesive collection. What was the result?

And while there are no lyrics to the songs on"Piano For Both Ears", you will find that the songs are about life, death, happiness, sadness, wonder, fun, obsession, religion, self-reflection, homage... one might say about the path of life itself. Who needs lyrics? The music tells the whole story!