Savage is what we used to call an "EP" -- an extended play release. It contains 3 new songs, each of which is (mainly) influenced by a major player in the history of music.
- On My Way. This is an uptempo number about going home. The rapid keyboard leads are inspired by the work of Muzio Clementi, the "father of the piano". Clementi, writing in the 18th century, was the first to compose specifically for the piano. This most powerful instruments had been invented in 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori, and the pianoforte's "soft-loud" capabilities were explored in depth by Clementi. Aside from being a piano virtuoso, he advanced the state of the instrument by writing a series of piano lessons, many of which are used to this day.
- Savage. The title track was inspired by the popular piece Les Sauvages written by Jean-Philippe Rameau, again in the 18th century. Rameau was a brilliant music theorist and harpsichordist who, upon witnessing a performance of Native Americans for King George, was inspired to write the instrumental. My rendition is more about the backstory.
- America One. This is a simple swing blues with a piano trio backing. Whenever I think of swing, I think of Thelonious Monk. During his early career he was often reviled for his sparse, dissonant and angular playing. Today he is recognized as one of the major architects of bebop. When I first started learning to play piano, I emulated Monk. The solo in America One is my homage to him.
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