It takes a very special player to be able to sit in front of a piano and spontaneously produce something of merit. Veryan Weston not only does that but he creates vignettes of logical structure, infused with melody, but angular and seemingly devoid of cliché. The three improvisations on this recording are the results of one evening alone at home when the pianist sat down and simply played. The lines hold firm, sometimes leading down winding paths and at others following them to their natural conclusions. Weston fingers can shoot forth spurts of energized clusters, although generally not too loudly, and alternatively instill a romantic flair. The results sound loosely planned, or at least conceptually consistent, and surprisingly accessible. There are often times when Weston's right hand seems to almost trip on itself, but it is clear that the technique is purposeful. At others, he can offer clumps so simple as to border on the childlike. But, suddenly, it is off to the races, and while he has it all, he never flaunts it.
Veryan Weston
Playing Alone
Share on
