Live From Montana [Live]

Track Listings

1. High Plains

2. The Big Open/Upright

3. Before Barbed Wire

4. Marias River Breakdown

5. Interlude: Short Story

6. Welcome to the Church of St. Anytime

7. Westbound

8. Montana Half-light

9. Every Deep Dream

10. Frogman

11. Going-to-the-Sun

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
A 2002 Grammy Nominee, world-class composer and pianist Philip Aaberg is a musician with incredible range and a boundless, distinctive style. His performances have consistently drawn standing ovations, leaving crowds dazzled by his dynamic, emotional range and captivated by his stunning compositions and between-song repartee. He finds devoted listeners among rock, country, blues, jazz, new age, and classical music fans, and his range of performances includes everything from solo piano concertos with the Boston Pops Orchestra and Latvian National Symphony to appearances with luminaries like Peter Gabriel, Elvin Bishop, John Hiatt, and slide guitar innovator Roy Rogers. Phil has been a guest on over two hundred albums, from multi-million selling pop and country to experimental jazz with bassoonist Paul Hanson. In addition, he was the 1995 recipient of the Governor's Award for the Arts, State of Montana, and his performance on PBS's "All-American Jazz" was nominated for an Emmy. He tours with modern bluegrass supergroup NewGrange, and in duos with fiddler Darol Anger and guitarist Roy Rogers. His most recent albums on Sweetgrass Music include "Live From Montana", "Field Notes", "Christmas" and "The Big Open" (to be released).

Product Description
Nominated for a Grammy in 2002, this "best of" CD was recorded live in the school auditorium of Aaberg's hometown Chester, Montana. Classic Aaberg compositions from previously released Windham Hill titles, "living entities that continue to grow since they were originally recorded". Liner notes are by George Winston, who traveled to Chester for that magical evening in June, 2000.

Live From Montana,Philip Aaberg,Sweetgrass Music,Adult Alternative,Chamber Jazz,Contemporary Instrumental,Grammy nominated solo piano evocative of the American West -- powerful mix of melodic and boogie.,Progressive Electronic,Solo Instrumental

Live From Montana [Live]

Average customer rating:

Can't stop listening

The Best New Age Pianist

from Solo Piano Publications

A Great CD of His Best Work

Live From Montana

Live From Montana

Manufacturer: Sweetgrass Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music
General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Blue West

High Plains

Christmas

Field Notes

Out of the Frame

ASIN: B000067G7E
Release Date: 2000-09-30

Tracks:

High Plains
The Big Open/Upright
Before Barbed Wire
Marias River Breakdown
Interlude: Short Story
Welcome to the Church of St. Anytime
Westbound
Montana Half-light
Every Deep Dream
Frogman
Going-to-the-Sun

Album Description

Nominated for a Grammy in 2002, this "best of" CD was recorded live in the school auditorium of Aaberg's hometown Chester, Montana. Classic Aaberg compositions from previously released Windham Hill titles, "living entities that continue to grow since they were originally recorded". Liner notes are by George Winston, who traveled to Chester for that magical evening in June, 2000.

Customer Reviews:

Can't stop listening.......2007-05-06

I have been listening to this CD for a few months now in my car as I dart about conducting business and I have yet to grow tired of it. You won't be disappointed picking this one. It is exciting and refreshing.

The Best New Age Pianist.......2007-01-04

I originally heard Aaberg on a Windham Hill collection. His sole cut on that album was O Shenandoah. There was so much feeling and originality in that take that I had to pursue his other works. Via the Amazon website I selected this album. It is as fantastic as all of these reviewers indicate. The piano is an extension of this performer.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-07-11

Philip Aaberg's "Live From Montana" is breathtaking! Phil has been one of my favorite artists for about twelve years, and this album captures the excitement of a live concert without the distracting background noises that usually creep into live albums. The sound quality of the piano is amazing since this was recorded in the Chester High School auditorium (a reunion for the people Phil grew up with in Montana). Technically perfect, the music is also incredible! This could be "Philip Aaberg 101". With selections from Phil's three original albums, "High Plains", "Out of the Frame", and "Upright", this is truly the best of a great artist - essential for longtime fans to see how the music has evolved over the years as well as to hear it played live, and a perfect introduction to those unfamiliar with one of the best pianists on the planet. Between several of the pieces, Phil shares some of the reasons people gave him for why they like to live in Chester. This is small-town Americana, and it's refreshing to know such a place still exists. It is also interesting to note that fellow Montana native, George Winston, found this event to be so important that he was also in attendance and wrote the most of the liner notes.

All of the selections on the album are superlative, but my favorites include my all-time favorite Aaberg tune, "Every Deep Dream", which has a simple melody, but there is so much else going on in that piece - a true masterpiece! I also love "Frogman", which is a rocking bit of pianistic pyrotechnics that I have always wished I could play! "Westbound" is an older song with an incredible new introduction that emulates the sound of a train idling and then becoming "westbound". The piece itself has also been a longtime favorite, and it's mind-blowing that as the song winds down, a train whistle blows from about five blocks away! There is no way that could have been planned! Of course, "High Plains" (what Phil refers to as his "greatest hit") is included with a fresh treatment. "Welcome to the Church of St. Anytime" is gospel piano with a twist - Aaberg says he was combining the worlds of "The Old Rugged Cross" and "There is a Tavern in the Town". I've always also loved "Going to the Sun", which closes the set with a peaceful, wide-open feeling.

I can't rave enough about "Live From Montana"! I There is no way you can be disappointed with this one!

A Great CD of His Best Work.......2003-11-19

If Philip Aaberg was a boxer he would take out George Winston in the first round, Lanz in two, and Brickman wouldn't even get in the ring. Simply the best there is. This cd draws mostly from his two best cds, Upright and High Plains. If you are new to Phil's music you will be thrilled at his playing. If you are an old fan you will be in awe at how much better the old songs are now. Like a fine wine they have aged to perfection as Phil has added more subtlety to them. If you can only have one Aaberg cd, this is the one. Absolutely, hands down, no questions asked.

Live From Montana.......2003-08-08

I've been listening to Mr. Aaberg since the Windham Hill craze of the 80s. If you have found other "so-called" new age modern instrumental music flat, repetitive, and droning please go ahead and listen to this music. I have owned and loaned and lost several copies of "High Plains" but this time when I replaced it, I went for the live version from Chester, Montana. I am a fan of George Winston, but find this music more inspired. Modern versions of variations on a theme and art imitating life versions of a the local train blowing through make this very memorable. I also enjoyed the comments Mr. Aaberg reads from his neighbors views of life in Chester. It is always interesting to put a voice to an instrumentalist. If you've not heard of Philip Aaberg, buy "High Plains" first and then order this CD as an encore.