Jon Dahlander’s Searching For Solace is a collection of thirteen original piano solos and is his fifth solo piano album to date. Jon’s last album, Songs For Smiler McGee (2017), was inspired by the life and loss of Jon and his wife’s son, Jared, who was born with significant special needs and died just before his 14th birthday. Understandably, much of the music on that album is sad, but it also expresses hope and optimism. Searching For Solace is also a deeply personal project that reflects on a variety of life experiences since Songs For Smiler McGee, and offers music that expresses love, loss, hope, nostalgia and more. There isn’t a lot of flashy technique in this music, but the honesty and sincerity in Jon’s expression come through every note and phrase. Each of the titles is one word, only hinting at what inspired the music while allowing listeners to experience it from their own perspectives and to hopefully find comfort (and solace!) in the music.

Searching For Solace begins with “Osage,” a gentle piece that sounds like it was played on a felted piano, giving it a slightly muted sound with other subtle effects. The piece itself is very soft, delicate and perfectly suited to the felting technique. “Fog” was the first single released from the album and was also recorded with some special atmospheric effects that feel like walking through dense fog, not really sure what you’re seeing or hearing or even where you are. I really like this one! (I love walking on the beach in dense fog!)“Forsaken” is deeply introspective and profound in its simplicity. I’m not sure what “Zig” means as the title to a piece, but it really doesn’t matter because the music tells a quiet story of its own. Music can often say so much more than words, and “Unspoken” is a good example of that. The emotions behind the piece come through clearly and are expressed from one heart to another. “Hollow” is another favorite with its gently repetitive left hand rhythm and simple, heartfelt – almost conversational – melody. “Squall” is a fascinating study in contrasts – from turbulent and fast-moving to calm and peaceful. “Miss” can mean a variety of things, but the sense of longing that comes through that piece feels like an expression of missing a loved one. Flowing, with a simple melody and a long fade-out at the end, it’s a beauty! “Plainview” is much more upbeat and happy, as is the carefree “Cherry.” “Wave” is as peaceful and calming as sitting on a beach when the surf is moving very gently and light is dancing on the surface of the water – hypnotic! “Carolina” continues the quiet, tranquil mood with a beautiful melody and lots of open space in the music. The album closes with “Remnant,” which feels much like a quiet meditation that brings peace to the soul and mind – a beautiful close to an excellent album!

Whether you are looking for music to get lost in or simply a beautiful solo piano album to relax with, Searching For Solace is a great choice! It is available to download and stream from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Very highly recommended!