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Pianist Paik’s ‘romance’ with Brahms

Paik Kun-woo
“Brahms-Intermezzi”
(Universal Music)

Paik Kun-woo’s second album on Brahms is more evidence that this Korean musician’s fingertips can bring back to life almost any composer.

Filled with 13 pieces chosen among those written in the latter half of Johannes Brahms’ life, the album will serve as a gift for any fan of the German composer.
Playing through the intermezzi, capriccios and romance pieces Op. 76 through Op. 119 (in random order), Paik has translated the compositions without too much décor, sparing even the classical music beginner from burden. 

While capriccios Op. 76 No. 1 flows with a feeling of forgiveness and peace, intermezzo Op. 116 No. 2 is played by Paik with an apparent focus on restraint. 

Born in Seoul, Paik performed in his first concert at age 10 with the Korean National Orchestra (Grieg piano concerto). In the following years he performed many important works in Korea, including several premieres such as Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Later he studied in New York (Juilliard School), London, and in Italy with Rosina Lhevinne, Ilona Kabos, Guido Agosti and Wilhelm Kempff. 

(hayney@heraldcorp.com)


Common regains soulful nature on new album

Common
“The Dreamer, The Believer”
(Warner Bros.)

Even though Common is one of hip-hop’s premier lyricists, the socially conscious rapper fell short with his 2008 “techno-inspired” album, “Universal Mind Control.”

But the Chicago-bred rapper effectively regains his soulful nature on “The Dreamer, The Believer.” The rapper digs deep with his clever rhymes with the aid of his childhood friend, No I.D., who produced the entire 12-track album.
Common‘s ninth album starts off with the compelling intro “The Dreamer,” featuring legendary writer Maya Angelou. The two-time Grammy-winner kicks off the opening track with a jovial vibe, rapping about the rise of his career, and Angelou caps off the song with an inspirational poem.

As usual, Common’s lyrics have depth and are insightful throughout the album. He has a positive tone while talking about achieving his own aspirations on “Blue Sky,” and shows his appreciation for life on “Celebrate.” 

But while Common provides some feel-good jams, he unveils the grittier side of himself on “Ghetto Dreams.” He also offers his thoughts on overcoming the struggle of being raised in the inner city on the track “The Believer” with John Legend. (AP)


Sting’s two decades complied into 3 CDs

Sting
“Sting: 25 Years”
(A&M Records)

Sting‘s three-CD box set offers an intriguing portrait of the artist in his quarter-century quest to marry the many flavors of music. Bundling his early and later work together presents an excellent chance to really get a clear reading of how he has tweaked pop music and expanded its core.

His early solo compositions after leaving the Police veered largely toward jazz and world beats, and his first CD, “The Dream of the Blue Turtles” featured an impressive roster of jazz players such as Branford Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland.

Sting’s musical explorations became even more interesting in 2003 with his “Sacred Love” album where Bach influenced “Whenever I Say Your Name,” a song that had Mary J. Blige on vocals. And there are tunes from his recent works, “Symphonicities,” from 2010 and “If on a Winter‘s Night.”

The boxed set comes with a nicely packaged book of writings and photos, and a DVD, and lyrics to each tune. Like it or not, Sting’s very complexities elevate his music, from the peppiness of “Brand New Day” to the edgy narrative “I Hung My Head” to the sweetness of “When We Dance.” (AP)