Neoclassical Suite is a column that will present 7 recent, distinctive tracks of the neoclassical-modern classical-contemporary -and beyond!- music field. 

Note: All Bio/about sections provided/written by the artists.

The Players

James Homard

(neoclassical, solo piano)

“Piano was his first love. James Homard, born and raised in The Netherlands, took his mother’s keyboard at the age of seven – and never let go. His education started with pop-keyboard lessons, but developed into a more serious jazz piano domain. In college he joined a local pop band, to play piano and Hammond organ. After graduation he started a high level business career within the Benelux music industry. Now James makes his return to the business as an executive musician.

It was in 2015 that James (alias for Jim Kreeftenberg ) was working with Joep Beving – amongst others – and learned about neoclassical piano music.

Inspired by the likes of Joep Beving, Yann Tiersen, Ron Adelaar, Nils Frahm and Max Richter, James started playing neoclassical arrangements of Dutch pop songs, resulting in arrangements of De Diepte by S10 and Vluchtstrook by Sigourney K, Antoon and Kris Kross Amsterdam.

Even though James likes to play established tunes, creating his own music is what makes his heart beat faster. That is why James is now working on original compositions, to be released throughout the year in 2022. He finds his melodies through harmonic pop and jazz progressions. Starting from basic chords, the melodies come from improvisation. And from love, of course.” (James Homard)

Jacob Hauge Mateo

(Poems: Ben Bushill)

(neoclassical, ethereal, avant-pop)

“Jacob Hauge Mateo is an experienced producer, singer-songwriter, pianist, and a father of two boys based in Aarhus, Denmark. Over the years, Jacob has produced five albums and amassed more than 14,000 followers on Facebook and often over 10,000 monthly listeners across digital streaming platforms. Recognized by his ethereal, peace-inducing, and multi-faceted style of music production, Jacob Hauge Mateo has garnered love and attention from dedicated listeners all over the world.” (Jacob Hauge Mateo)

Sam Miller

(neoclassical, solo piano)

“Sam Miller is a man of unique talents. An American multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter, composer and producer, he has released two full-length lyrical albums, You Need To Hear It (2014) and In One Place at a Time (2019), along with several instrumental albums including, Bach, Human Arpeggiatior (2020), Phonometrographer (2020), Piano Works (2020), and Lilies (2022).

A rare musical soul who thrives in our modern day of synthesizers and microchips, but who would be equally content playing Bach fugues in a cathedral filled with orangutans. His musical output is driven by curiosity and exploration, noticeably lacking the self-aggrandizing spirit of so much pop music.

From the mysterious deserts of New Mexico, Miller is at once a songwriter, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is a master storyteller, who walks a tightrope pitched between the beauty of life’s complexities and the abyss of the subconscious. His lyrics grow more dynamic and intriguing with each listen. An elegant love song is simultaneously a riddle that would tickle the ghost of Lewis Carroll.

One of the most impressive measures of Miller’s writing is how the melodic content of the songs carry the weight of his lyrics. His attention to detail in arrangement and production creates fully realized songs that arrive at a clear destination. There is a confidence and thoughtfulness that is applied to each composition. Clever melodic hooks manage to echo in your head for days, allowing the depth of the lyrics to slowly unfurl in your thoughts. Miller’s deep and resonant voice evokes Scott Walker, Nick Cave, and even Johnny Cash. At its climax In One Place at a Time is soaring chamber pop akin to Devotchka, at its most introspective it is indie pop held together by synths and drum machines. With a close listen, there are hints of Americana, traditional country, psychedelia, and even exotica.” (Sam Miller)

Edward Newell

(neoclassical, epic music)

“Edward Newell was born in 1961 and grew up in a country village near to London as part of a large musical family. His early training was mostly in classical music, his father being an adept multi-instrumentalist. Edward played cello from a young age before taking up guitar during his school years when he joined a rock band. He subsequently played electric bass, double-bass and keyboards while first encountering electronics and studio recording. Recently he began composing music that develops from improvisations on piano or cello. His first solo release consists of chamber pieces built from a few tracks; they are largely acoustic but feature samplers and studio effects. His atmospheric music explores many moods utilising both the textural and melodic.”  (Edward Newell)

Amaury Laurent Bernier

(neoclassical, soundtrack)

“A French Film Music composer, Multi- instrumentalist born and raised near Paris, now relocated in Hamburg, Germany, who love blending his love for Scores, vintage colors, folk, classic music, bluegrass and Songwriting..” (Amaury Laurent Bernier)

Rick Gallagher Project

(neoclassical, solo piano)

“Rick Gallagher Project is the cross-genre music platform of Pittsburgh based composer/pianist/producer Rick Gallagher. A career jazz pianist/educator, Gallagher brings his creative harmonic approach, melodic vision, improvisational spirit and delicate soulful touch to a blend of musical genres. His compositions have been synced to all forms of media ranging from major TV networks to film projects and many other commercial applications across the US and the globe. Gallagher’s musical markings relax, stimulate and inspire. More info at www.rickgallagher.com.“ (Rick Gallagher Project)

Brueder Selke

(neoclassical, contemporary music)

“Daniel and Sebastian are also known as curators for their hand-selected Q3Ambientfest (coming April 14-16 2023) which saw them blend established and emerging colleagues & friends like Laura Cannell, Andrea Belfi, Masayoshi Fujita, James Heather, Ale Hop, Poppy Ackroyd,“ (Brueder Selke)

The Music

Christos Doukakis