I’m often asked: “What’s your favorite music?”  Well, lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Thomas Newman and Max Richter tunes. They both write beautiful introspective soundtrack pieces. I like to put on their music while I’m working on some letters or cooking.

Newman wrote the soundtrack for one of my favorite movies – Shawshank Redemption. Newman also penned the music for American Beauty. His music inspires, intrigues and elevates the soul.

Richter is a German born composer who currently lives in Great Britain. Like Newman he plays the piano and composes some beautiful and hypnotic melodies. Plug in Max Richter on Youtube and you will find some powerful multi-media portraits.

Richter’s work has inspired me to consider visuals for my new album “Simple Beauty.” I love photography and most of the songs on my new album are inspired by landscapes and people I’ve experienced. “Simple Beauty” has a sweet folk feel with strong Celtic and Appalachian influences. A couple of pieces will also remind you of chamber music. I’m not going for the big orchestral sound in this new album as I did with “I Am a River” and “Blue Ridge Reunion.”

What have you been listening to lately? Sign up for the Guestbook and let us know. I’ve love to get a discussion going.

Blessings,

Bill