Tom Constanten - 88 Keys to Tomorrow

He only has 10 fingers! Really--only 10.

Tom Constanten composes and plays the ragtime of the gods, and this CD includes one of his best--the 'San Andreas Stomp', from his US bicentenial suite, 'The Syntax Collector'. If only he'd included the rest of it this CD would be auditory Nirvanna. Many other wonderful things too including some electronically prepared keyboard pieces, some classical piecies (including a lovely Bach), and some splendidly played Grateful Dead tunes (Tom's is one of my favorite recordings of 'Dark Star'). But the treasures are Tom's own compositions including 'Encodex Punctilious'. And is piano chops are close to unbelievable. Some of these pieces are technically unplayable for most earthling pianists.
You'll never know how much you need this CD 'till you get it. March 12, 2006

good for long trips

Tom Constanten
88 Keys to Tomorrow
Gaff Music GAFF0511
Among these 21 cuts are ten Constanten originals, a Chopin, a Bach, a Haydn, a Curtis Mayfield, a Jerry Garcia and several explorations of traditional, classical forms. Some are recorded on real pianos and others on electronic keyboards. There is no instrument preference evident. This is a recorded love affair between a man and the keyboard as a basic musical instrument form.
They're good for stride and ragtime, so Constanten plays and plays with stride and ragtime on "San Andreas Stomp." Vince Guaraldi (Charlie Brown cartoon themes)certainly developed a style for keyboard, so Constanten flirts with the Guaraldi style on "Land of the Hassled and Free." Gospel fervor and confidence can certainly be expressed well with a strong left hand on the piano, so "People Get Ready." And so on through 21 examples of how to best use keyboards to create audio beauty. What is most amazing about this record is that, with all the respect for and knowledge of composers displayed throughout, Constanten is constantly himself. There is a warm wit about his playing, even on the most traditional numbers, that is wholly unique.
More than pleasant to the average ear, this CD and accompanying liner notes are a textbook for those interested in the more technical aspects of music and music recording. In describing one piece, Constanten asks, "When was the last time you encountered stretto and inversion at the same time?" Frankly, I don't have a clue, but for those who do, I presume it's a novel and grand experience. Recorded in several locations between '88 and '94, the album has surprising continuity . . . Bach and Garcia, Yamaha Clavinola and Bosendorfer get along better than one might think, and this, too, is made possible by the highly extroverted character of the artist.
I believe this one will be particularly good for long trips and rainy afternoon dozes.
January 30, 2006

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