Rhonda Mackert is a musician/pianist from Washington state, and this solo piano project is the first of many promising CD’s. When reviewing piano albums there are technical aspects that can be commented on, yet everyone has a unique style, and unless you have blatant mistakes it’s generally not as important to comment on. It’s the heart beating behind the keyboard that makes her music special to any listener of Moon Cries.
Few play a piano CD and read the titles on first listen; it’s the images that dance in the listeners' minds that really matter. Yet When the Moon Cries is accurate as the listener gets an immediate soothing feeling similar to that felt by looking to the sky on clear nights. You feel there is so much more beyond the moon which is directly in front of us, and the music reaches out to a better place that awaits us. Moon Cries sets the tone for the bouncy Moonshadow Waltz which will put a smile on your face and was a wise choice as it showed a style change, but one with continuity which is very critical for a piano record.
Summer Storm is wonderfully melodic and destined for radio play. You will feel a wave of emotions rolling in with her wisping trills that certainly emulate this well-titled piano piece. Refuge changes the emotion of the music, showing a variance in mood that brought this listener back to a time that the heart longs for: a safe place, like in your parents arms, a place we are destined to be in our Father’s hold. A song that will be a favorite to many, and one of the stronger tracks, follows quite nicely, Lullaby (for Luke). Rhonda conveys a child-like essence to the keys and brings an innocence and faith that will carry you away like the sweet dreams of a sleeping child.
Dreams for Rebecca is the highlight of Moon Cries and I can’t say enough about the continuity of this project. Having the strongest song as song six generally would not make sense, but this is a progression of His Spirit and a heart that yearns to be heard; this is what sets this project apart as being meant and not simply played to be strategic. The true meaning behind this song is what you make it and most will see it as a hope that is yet to come, the fulfillment of a dream. There is apparent joy in this song which sets it apart technically from the other tracks, but more importantly emotionally to the listener.
Interestingly we go from youthful exuberance to Perazim, the deepest song of the project which takes on Biblical proportions giving you a glimpse into David's complete reliance on God to overcome the Philistines. This song is brilliant and it truly pulls off what the writer envisioned as you will find your mind entranced, hopefully taking you closer to the One who delivers us.
Midwinter Nocturme seems to fit right into the current piano genre. It’s what you expect to hear during a piano concert or classical station. There are a few very strong songs on this project and this one should not be ignored, nor should the next track Snowfall. These tunes are consuming and you can tell that Rhonda made a conscious effort to ensure the CD has what classical listeners look for, yet still have a flair that fits the project as a whole.
Mystere Du Coer is hauntingly gorgeous and enveloping. To think out a piano piece and communicate it the keyboard with the true feeling behind it is not an easy feat, yet clearly she pulled it off. It will be another favorite of many who look past what they are hearing. The following song, Awakening is light hearted and vibrant and leads very well into the closing track of the CD, Flight of the Eagle. This was an exceptional closer for this record as it has a firm strength to it that an eagle would represent. The song literally takes off with circular key strokes representing flight and it builds up to a very pretty ending, a summation of sorts telling us that God's creation reigns supreme forever more.
Rhonda shows depth and maturity in her compositions and we can be certain that her future projects will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. But for now, Moon Cries stands on its own beauty and touches every emotion the heart can render.
Rhonda's Website: www.rhondamackert.com
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