Neoclassical Suite is a column that will present 7 recent, distinctive tracks of the neoclassical-modern classical-contemporary -and beyond!- music field.
The Players
Kiushu
(neoclassical pop)
Kiushu is a dutch popduo that likes to get their musical inspiration from nature, animals and the poetry of James Joyce. Notably the guinea pig has a special role; since the duo is amazed by the little creature’s ability to enjoy and prefer bitter foods, like green peppers. Kiushu owns two crazy piggies, a grey and a white/creme one. The duo composes and produces their music themselves and also creates their own artwork. Coming from both a classical piano and electronic music background the duo mixes their skills which results in the style represented on their album: A prayer.
William Ogmundson
(neoclassical, instrumental)
William Ogmundson is a pianist, lyricist and EMMY-nominated composer. He has performed all over North America and Europe (including the Vatican) and released seven solo CDs to date.
The Weightless
(neoclassical, contemporary)
Swedish composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Kasper Lindgrens solo project ”The Weightless” reflects simplicity, sensitivity and playfulness in an unpredictable and contemporary music landscape. After years of successful collaborations such as ”Hushed”, ”Ebb & Flod”, ”Kim Aspen”, ”Kasper Schill”, Kasper also wanted to create his own project which resulted in the debut single “Rain” based on solo piano.
Kasper Lindgren is grown up in a music family and had an early introduction to music, besides playing guitar, piano and bass he picked up the drumsticks at the age of 10, at this time he also started his rockband ”Prime Sth” that achieved international success and would last for 19 years. During these years, Kasper has always been productive as a songwriter and producer and worked in his studio based in Stockholm.
Joseph Nimoh
(neoclassical, contemporary, jazz)
Pianist and Composer Joseph Nimoh, creates music that is delicately crafted to inspire hope and bring healing to his audience. Joseph’s music incorporates elements of several genres, including classical, jazz, and gospel music. His music has been described as emotionally-rich, soothing, and peaceful. One reviewer had this to say after listening to his music, “A gentle, embracing warmth runs through all of this music and simply makes you feel good – or at least better!
Joseph began playing piano at age 11. He later studied piano performance at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
Primary among Joseph’s influences are Oscar Peterson, George Duke, Keith Jarrett, Yellow Jackets, and Richard Smallwood.
He has released five albums; Quite Time in His Presence, Living Waters, Reflections, Piano Hymns, and Conversations on Piano. For his new album, Joseph has created a masterful set of unique pieces befitting a musician of such diverse background. Blending elements of classical, jazz, and contemporary music, Conversations on Piano is a beautiful collection of solo piano melodies soaked in genuine emotion. This beautiful music relaxes the mind as it gently soothes and uplifts the spirit. All 20 songs are played elegantly, and with a great deal of grace, creating a perfect atmosphere for reflection, meditation, and prayer.
Prof. Lacasse
(neoclassical, contemporary)
Serge Lacasse (aka Prof. Lacasse) has been a professional producer, arranger, songwriter and musician for many years in the Canadian music industry, including mixing and mastering engineer (see table below). In addition to having accumulated a nice catalogue of instrumental and vocal pieces of music (e.g. for museum exhibitions, advertising, etc.), he has collaborated as producer/songwriter/musician with artists signed to majors and national labels in Canada (Mitsou, Lynda Lemay, Tanya Tagaq, Descars, Héra Ménard, Nathalie Gauthier, Paule-Andrée Cassidy, etc.).
Following his success with his remix of La Bolduc’s “Ça va venir découragez-vous pas”, he recently produced two albums of piano music by Quebec artist Marc-André Pépin, including Tempus fugit nominated for “Best Instrumental album of the Year” at the 2018 ADISQ Gala. Similarly, Héra Ménard’s eponym album, also produced by Lacasse, was acclaimed as “Discovery of the Year” and nominated in the “Singer-songwriter” category at the Gala Country 2018. As his artist name suggests, Prof. Lacasse is also professor of musicology at the Faculté de musique, Université Laval in Quebec City.
Prof. Lacasse is a multi-instrumentalist: not only does he play the piano, but he is also an accomplished drummer and guitarist. He has been writing piano music since his early teens but only recently decided to propose it to the world. His first album, entitled Piano Evocations, features 13 intimate pieces exploring a variety of emotions in the post-classical style.
Chad Hewitt
(neoclassical)
Utah-based pianist and composer Chad Hewitt’s passion for music started at an early age. Chad grew up playing all genres of music with several different groups. After college Chad began to refine his musical interests and in recent years has settled into composing quiet, contemplative solo piano pieces. Influenced by his faith and his love for people, his music elicits warmth, emotion and thoughtful reflection.
Annasara
(neoclassical, vocal)
Annasara Lundgren is a Malmö-based singer/songwriter and classically trained violinist and composer. Her music invites the listener to a world of acoustic instruments, with a captivating voice and piano in the spotlight. The style can be comparable to Nils Frahm and Agnes Obel, with echoes from classical composers like Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy.
The Music
Christos Doukakis