Digital Liner Notes
Welcome to Kaleidoscope!
As a young boy, I would spend hours playing with a small kaleidoscope – entranced by a new variation of beauty inspired by a small turn of the instrument. As the years have gone by, I’ve come to realize that our deepest truths – even those inspired by loss, missteps and disappointments – can be reshaped and refashioned with just a small turn of ones’ perspective and outlook.
With this debut solo piano passion project, I hope to transcend listeners with a collage of unfettered melodies and textures that have been inspired by some of my favorite artists and pianists (George Winston, Herbie Hancock, Elton John, Brian Culbertson and so many more). May the music help you pause and see things exactly as they are from one moment to the next. Perhaps the pause will inspire a new meaning as you carry the burdens and difficulties of Life with Grace and Hope. As it is within the Kaleidoscope, shards of brokenness can be seen and turned into something truly beautiful.
Enjoy!
Bryan
KALEIDOSCOPE
KALEIDOSCOPE
Kaleidoscope Intro
Imagine
The Journey
I Choose Love
The Dance
Hallelujah
Funky Smooth
Kaleidoscope
Reach a Little Higher
Return
Kaleidoscope Intro
I warm up every day with this simple melody, which is inspired by the ‘pause’ we all need every now and then…
Imagine
Arr. G. Bryan Fleming © 1971 John Lennon
In this time of turmoil, chaos and division, “Imagine” signifies peacefulness and possibility for me…
The Journey
We’re all navigating a maze of journeys; on this recording day, here is where my fingers led me…
I Choose Love
I do believe it’s important to touch our thoughts and feelings. Loss, fear, confusion – all the things – can either derail us or propel us to choose a better path. I do my best to choose love…
The Dance
Arr. G. Bryan Fleming © 1990 Tony Arata, performed by Garth Brooks
I’ve always loved The Dance and the beauty of its simplicity. My life has been a series of dances shaped by my experiences, expressions and choices. Ultimately, it’s always better to embrace the dance even when we’d rather not…
Hallelujah
Arr. G. Bryan Fleming © 1984 Leonard Cohen
Originally scored as a lament about love and loss, I try to evoke a sense of joyful homage to my Creator…
Funky Smooth
Auxiliary Percussion: Matt Holmes
Smooth jazz and R&B tend to bring a smile to my face when I’m playing. Thank you, Brian Culbertson and Herbie Hancock (2 of my piano heroes!)
Kaleidoscope
“Kaleidoscope” is derived from the Ancient Greek word καλός, “beautiful, beauty”, εἶδος, “that which is seen: form, shape” and σκοπέω, “to look to, to examine”, hence, the “observation of beautiful forms.” I encourage you to turn your kaleidoscope and find a different shape of beauty.
Reach A Little Higher
Auxiliary Percussion: Matt Holmes
Fusing some contemporary harmonies with a gospel groove – who or what inspires you to reach higher? Think about it…
Return
I recorded this tune in one take, inspired by the thought of returning to memories of the curious, chatty little boy in me turning my kaleidoscope once again!
