Solo Acoustic Piano. Released December 7, 1997.
Richard Carr’s compositions are timeless impressions on life in the journey of being. – Wayne Wong, Global Reflections, WZRU, Roanoke Springs, NC
Through the Mind’s Eye by Richard Carr is my pick of the month. This local New Orleans pianist releases his first release and does an absolutely stunning job. At times you’ll hear touches of George Winston or beautiful classical piano. What you will notice most, is the fact that you are listening to the arrival of a pianist that we will hear for years to come. – Erik de Jonge, Bep’s, New Orleans, LA
Mr. Carr’s collection of piano vignettes is a blossoming flower; a promising bloom, composed and performed by a big man, with big hands, and a big heart. Referring to these pieces as vignettes is perhaps not fair. Many are brief performances of four minutes or less, but each contains a much broader musical scope that Carr often develops during live performances. His formal, classical piano training does not hold back his internal expressiveness. On the contrary, his ability to conquer some of the more challenging Scriabin and Debussy works has given him confidence to explore personal experiences in a musically pleasing and thought provoking style.
Whether responding to the grandeur and beauty of nature and poetry or the subtleties of close friendships, Richard paints his spontaneous musical inspirations with an understanding of classical forms and structure, and a delightful splash of pop sensibilities. My personal favorites are Love Everlasting; Reflective Memories; Heartstrings; and parts of the sweeping Mind’s Eye Suite. This album was recorded impromptu, at a time when a good piano, a skillful engineer, proper recording equipment and microphones, an appropriate studio, and a brief hole in Richard’s busy performing schedule all aligned. The session did not allow for multiple takes or post production refinements. Aside from a reordering of the selections, what you hear in Through the Mind’s Eye is Richard playing straight through a collection of his piano works. The performances may at times appear slightly flawed and restrained. Yet, as you relax and open to them, these tight buds unfold, blossoming and releasing their aural bouquet. The liner notes provide a template of inspirations, which the music often transcends. The results can be delightfully refreshing. – Lenny Bertrand, Cheeze Music WTUL, New Orleans, LA
Return to Through the Mind’s Eye album page.
