New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ David Lanz official website) Some musicians have the ability to transform your very being with the gifts of their artistry. Master pianist and composer,
David Lanz, is that kind of force. A wizard at painting a lush tapestry of cascading melodies that simmer into graceful refrains, and meld rhythmically fueled dancing harmonies that climax into wistful variations, Lanz has made a career of permeating the hearts, minds and souls of audiences around the globe for over three decades.
Ahead of his time, the visionary Grammy-nominated and chart-topping pianist has remained a pioneer in the genre of New Age music. The witty pianist has coined his own phrase for his music, 'Heavy Mellow,' a cute play on the term
Heavy Metal. "I always like to point out in my performances that the term New Age is not really a musical term so for fun I coined the term 'Heavy Mellow.' If you happen to like this style of music then I guess you would have to be referred to as a 'Heavy Mellow-head!'"
An all-around journeyman with roots in rock, jazz and classical, Lanz's music is a delicate balance between technical prowess and passionate grace that serves a higher purpose. "My spiritual path is all about creating music, communicating with sound, and allowing beauty to be expressed in my work," declared the pianist.
October 8, 2013, Shanachie Entertainment will release
David Lanz's 41st recording of original compositions that transport you on a glorious and emotive journey. "I draw from my source, the same source we all have access to...God if you will...and this source has an inexhaustible supply of inspiration just waiting for each of us to tap into it. This and my life experience is where I go for my inspiration."
Shanachie Entertainment's VP of Jazz A&R
Danny Weiss states, "Though tranquil and restful on the surface, the spirituality that lies within is the reason that
David Lanz's music resonates worldwide. He's the real thing."
Movements of the
Heart is
David Lanz's first recording of all new original piano works since 2008's Painting the Sun. Each note that emanates from Lanz's majestic and commanding touch on Movements of the Heart, marries thirteen sublime compositions that unfold like an epic romantic drama. This new recording beautifully captures the spontaneity of a live performance and the pristine polish of a studio session. "Most of the music was written and then recorded during a major change in my personal life and reflects the relationship and the new love I have found," confides Lanz. "The title refers to the romantic notions of the heart as well as to the movements found in music."
David Lanz is a master at sculpting unforgettable melodies that etch themselves into one's memory. His mission is simple, "I really try and focus on the melody as I develop each piece. The melody is the heart of the song and my goal is to connect with the listener heart to heart-so to speak."
Highlights on Movements of the
Heart include the dreamy "Love's Return," which Lanz hails as the most romantic love song he has ever written. He was even inspired to pen lyrics for the song which he hopes to share in the future. His compositions "Midnight Adagio" and "La Luna dell Amante" (The Lover's Moon) were both composed during a full moon either at or near midnight. He explains, "These pieces represent the passion and the spiritual feelings wrapped up in the reflections of love and longing felt when you are apart from your true love."
Movements of the
Heart also showcases "In Moonlight," which pays homage to Ludwig Van Beethoven and references his seminal work "Moonlight Sonata." "I never studied classically, but have grown to appreciate the master's work," says Lanz. He continues with a smile, "When I wrote 'In Moonlight,' I imagined it were played by Ludwig himself as if he was very relaxed and meditating."
David Lanz is a consummate artist, and the intention of his art and every aspect of how it is delivered to the listener is well thought out. In fact, the piano tuning heard on Movements of the
Heart has been slightly altered from the standard A-440 tuning. A-440 refers to the cycles per second of the note 'A' below middle 'C' on the piano and is the standard by which all western instruments are tuned. Lanz explains, "In a twist of psycho-acoustics, sacred geometry, and a quest for an enhanced sonic experience, the piano heard on the CD is tuned and recorded in A-444, just a little bit higher than the traditional A-440. A subtle difference, but none
the less a positive result!"
Lanz was encouraged to explore this idea by his brother and co-producer, Gary Lanz, and their friend, mathematician, New York Times best selling author, and an ex-monk, Gary Hardin. They looked at the numbers and came to the conclusion that A- 444 would have very positive effects on the listener. Lanz adds, "444 is sometimes referred to as an angelic number. I have to admit it does sound much better than in the original A-440 tuning."
Hailing from Seattle, WA, and recently relocated to the east coast,
David Lanz has enjoyed a career longevity that is rare in the music business. For over thirty years, the visionary recordings and live performances of
David Lanz have served to heal, to inspire, to provide spiritual nourishment to diverse audiences around the globe.
