“Play it loud!” is the entirety of the liner notes of this new collection from pianist Laszlo Gardony, the three words set in boldface type much larger than the credits that follow them. It’s an unusual command, to be sure, especially since Serious Play is a solo piano record. Why, the listener has to wonder, would the artist feel that cranking up the volume would allow us to better appreciate his musings on these seven original compositions and three covers, the first of which, “Georgia on My Mind,” is performed in a contemplative, rather subdued manner?
The request begins to make more sense as Serious Play unfolds. Gardony, the Hungarian-born pianist who’s resided in the United States for over three decades, revels in dynamics. Even on a song such as “Watchful Through the Night,” wistful and respectful of open spaces, the pianist enjoys juxtaposing the calm and the storm. The number exudes a semi-classical intricacy and intimacy, and Gardony relishes the control he can muster as sole musician by tagging its crescendos to well-placed lulls.
The title track is another story, gallop-paced and fierce, the instrument’s low notes conjuring a thunderous roar that syncs grandly with the boogie-esque runs that keep Gardony’s right hand busy. “Truth to Power,” too, justifies the call for volume: Tinkling and twee at first, it morphs into a chaotic, livid rant by mid-song, a jumble of notes spilling out that might get lost were Gardony not pounding at full force.
You can, of course, enjoy Serious Play just as much at whatever volume level you normally prefer; despite the artist’s request, this music can’t help but make an impact.
Preview and buy album Serious Play by Laszlo Gardony on iTunes.
Read Jeff Tamarkin’s review of Life in Real Time by Laszlo Gardony.
Read Bill Beuttler’s review of Clarity by Laszo Gardony.
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