Good luck and God bless Dan.
I promised myself I wouldn't cry.
T-T.
If this will be your last song Dan, then this will be my greatest review, it will one of the four tributes I have prepared for you.
Lets begin with the first 10 seconds.
Very catchy, those first ten seconds, with those subtle strings, with the occasional piano note, just making slight appeareances. A weak and terrified note, thrown into a fray it doesn't want to belong to, yet can find nowhere else where it can do better.
20 - 38
The piano becomes more active here. It's wading in deeper waters, testing the darkness that it swims in gingerly, placing its hands and gently sweeping the unpredictable surface. Looking on, not knowing what, but shakily ready for it.
48 - 1:28
I felt this was a very powerful moment Dan. It's as if the piano gasps for air here. Especially at 1:08. I see it floating gently with the atmosphere. It's become used to things around it, it has grown roots, finds a loving thought buried deep in its mind.
This was home.
1:28 - 2:10
I can see the piano's spirit rising. It's great body swaying. For so long it had been simply swimming, and standing on its own was a big step, but a step it would take. Great streams of water flow off its body as he gazes at the stars, suddenly aware, how small its kingdom is.
2:10 - 3:06
It yearns for something more, a desire to be at peace again. Ever since it stood, it regrets, yet cherishes it. Its takes a very shaky step towards land. Its first step fails it, and it crashes to its knees. Its angry, yet confused. Standing again, it takes more steps, softly at first, then with more confidence. Looking beyond the land, he looks at the dark sky. The stars staring at it, and it at them.
3:06 - 3:27
Its running through the fields, completely left the world it knew well behind it. Exhilarated beyond words. Its feet begin to glide on the ground, gently rising and rising, until at last it is souring. Great wings sprout from his back, and merge with his arms.
3:27 - 4:12 (end)
And now it is free... it is souring the skies, the clouds below it. The sun rises slowly and breathes life into the cold earth and clouds. It shines brilliantly into its eyes, and blinds it with wonder and amazement. Never had it seen something so great, so powerful. It flies to it, and thats all it sees now.
The sun. Flying towards the ultimate freedom.
The strongest part of this song, is the last minute and a half of this song. I feel at this point the instruments are singing in such a powerful union that it seems like a natural part of life to be together. So natural.
Good strings and timpini work, they have an awesome supportive role, and if I am not mistaken that reverb effect you have on that piano works wonders in itself.
Your piano skills have gotten far better by no mistake. I sometimes find it extremely difficult to believe you know as much music theory as me, which is nearly nothing. You have become my greatest source of inspiration, and will remain so for a long time
So many stories in this piece Dan, and there is no room to write them. Epic moment after epic moment.
Because I was foolish enough not to assist you in this piece, and because I have a great respect for you Dan, I will give you my farewell tribute.
Here's to my good friend Dan, may his adventures take him to better places, his days filled with wonder and enlightenment. May he find the ultimate freedom we all so sourly wish to seek and find.
Above all this though, I ask you Dan to never give up music. Without any musical theory, without any knowledge of the art, you have learned to bend it to your will, to create worlds, stories, and feelings. You have learned to capture the moment, and to make them anew.
You have simply learned.
5/5 from me Dan, as if anything else is remotely possible.
Just so you know, this by NO means you can escape me ;). I will take this song Dan with your permission, and I would like to add my own little mix to it. So in some way you have something to remember me by, a great song.
Wherever your path takes you, good luck.
Rainy Days/