http://www.amazon.com/Devotion/dp/B00CW55K8S/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_mus?ie=UTF8&qid=1375911542&sr=8-1&keywords=Dan+Musselman+devotion
Devotion is the latest from pianist, composer, and educator Dan Musselman.
Musselman started studying Suzuki piano at the early age of five. In middle school, he played trumpet in the concert and jazz band, and played guitar in rock bands. Musselman has an array background in musical taste and made his own unique sound. He didn’t discover his calling for “authentic jazz” until he heard Kenny Garrett’s Songbook.
About Devotion Musselman said on his website DanMusselman.com, “My hope for Devotion is to create music that would encapsulate the meaning and general message of a few books of the Bible.“ He also expressed that “There is also the theme of God’s promise of peace, strength and eternal life with Him that is ultimately the backbone of what the Bible and Christianity is all about.” Musselman described his experience in making the album as “a life-altering experience both musically and spiritually.”
The bible is heavily referenced throughout with the first five songs called “Genesis”, “Job”, “Luke”, “Acts” and “Revelation.” Devotion opens with the song “Devotion: Genesis” that opens with a melodic piano rhythm that is upbeat and is accompanied by the melding of musical instruments.
About the song Musselman said, “Genesis begins with the creation of the world, as we know it. And so, my musical representation of Genesis begins with a big bang, or sorts. From there, I present the first appearance of God’s theme. This theme appears in every movement of Devotion, as God is omnipresent.”
In the song “Devotion: Revelation” there is a unique and spiritual context throughout. There is a cool jazz vibe and a flawless piano solo that awakens your listening senses. The use of the trumpets makes the songs beat soft and harmonious. Musselman also incorporates the phrase “Holy, Holy, Holy” which tunes back to the theme of religion.
The album then shifts to a different vibe with the next four songs. In “Awaiting” there is a Middle Eastern exotic sound with the horns flaring in the background and the piano setting the harmony. Each blow of the horn brings the song alive. The bass solo brings an edgy twist that takes the jazz sound to another level.
The last song “Fragments of a Dream” is a slow and melodic with a classic jazz vibe. It starts off slow and delicate with the trumpets and epic bass melding together. The energy and tempo of the song intensifies with Musselman’s eloquent piano chords.
Devotion is a spiritual album that celebrates life and the essence of God.