Thankful

"Thankful" is Judson Hurd’s third album of piano solos, and this time they are all original compositions. The fifteen tracks were composed over a period of seven years and are dedicated to Hurd’s wife, Jenna. With a common theme of love and its many forms, the music ranges from softly romantic to bold and powerful. Formerly one of the prominent youth pianists of Paraguay, Hurd was trained at the Franz Schubert Conservatory in Ciudad Del Este and then studied music theory and composition at Young Harris College and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music. A performer and teacher, Hurd also writes music for film, radio, and television. He incorporates a wide range of influences into his music, including that of his childhood idol, pianist/composer extraordinaire Philip Aaberg. "Thankful" begins with “Black Mountain,” a rhythmic piece that makes use of repeated notes and percussive effects to create bold images and explosive energy. The title track is much more subdued - sweetly flowing and melodic. I really like “Near,” a delicate daydream of a piece that seems to speak the truth as it searches for something. I also really like “Another Day, A New Song,” with its bittersweet melody and rolling left hand. The deep bass accents here and there add a lot of power and dimension. “Will I Hold You Again?” conveys deep emotional ties and possible loss - very touching. “Happy Song” swings the mood back up with a lighthearted spirit that dances all over the piano keyboard. “Moon In the Field” is also very upbeat and lively. The infectious left hand rhythm sets a playful tone that the melody swirls and skips around. Love it! “Shufflin’” has a casual, easy-going attitude that’s somehow very comforting and reassuring. “Song For Sarah” is graceful and delicate, conveying a sweet innocence and beauty. “Untitled” leaves the subject matter completely up to the listener, but the grace of the lovely melody and the emotions Hurd expresses make this a highlight of the album. There is no mistaking what Hurd is trying to say with “Joy,” the last track. Big, bright, and exuberant it’s a happy dance and big bear hug rolled into one! If Judson Hurd is new to you, "Thankful" is a great intro to his music! Fans will love it! Check it out!

I spent most of yesterday doing things that I don't particularly care to do. Cleaning the garage and doing household chores. My usual way to get through it is to put on some music with an up tempo beat (Jet's been the music of choice lately) and power on through. Well, yesterday I decided to try something completely different and I'm really glad I did. I put on Judson Hurd's album 'Thankful' and it was a new experience for me. My body was working but my mind was a thousand miles away. After yesterday's experience I've come to the conclusion that that's the beauty of GOOD instrumental music.... your mind is coaxed into filling in the blanks that are oftentimes, in lyric based music, too quickly filled in for you. I will say, while the title 'Thankful' works, I think a more appropriate title for the record would have been 'Journeys.' From the first few notes on I was enthralled and transported. The opening track is a statement. It says 'get ready.' Judson's use of muted piano strings along with the repetitive march feel made me think of running, not from something bad, but towards something wonderful and that's exactly where I went. The journey continued through 14(!) more tracks that ranged from nostalgic longing to wistfulness to joyfulness and to melancholy, all told through memorable melodies and masterful playing. This feels more like two records since there is so much here. Nothing was held back. All 15 tracks pull their weight and add to the overall experience. There is evidence of a deep emotional thinker behind this music and that light shines brightly throughout. I am on my 5th play through now and the songs are staying with me long after each of those journeys ended. This is not elevator music, this is music for music lovers, so savor it and give it the attention it deserves.