Bleep

Like the Sun Piano LP, Moon Piano’s predecessor in a trilogy of records from Laraaji, this album finds the spiritual/new age artist leaving behind his autoharp and other instruments in order to return to his first love of the piano. However, while these numbers are similar to Sun Piano in that they are keyboard improvisations recorded in a Brooklyn church, the music of Moon Piano is a more contemplative affair befitting its nocturnal title.

Indeed, while Laraaji may not have his previously utilised gongs or chimes to hand here, an air of calm serenity can be found across much of Moon Piano which immediately distinguishes it as a Laraaji LP. In contrast to Sun Piano’s bright, driven improvisations, here Laraaji retreats into a world of hanging cluster-chords and gentle melodies. The sense of stargazing wonder is reflected in Moon Piano’s track-titles - ‘Stillness’, ‘Bathed In A Glow’, ‘Feeling Lovely’ - and reminds the listener of the most tranquil moments of Keith Jarrett’s music. All in all, Moon Piano is a set as harmonious and healing as any of Laraaji’s more overtly spiritual works.

As night follows day, so Moon Piano follows Sun Piano. Laraaji’s latest collection of piano improvisations is a gorgeously ruminative affair from the spiritual music legend.