Search - Tim Janis :: A Thousand Summers

The world captured in the neoclassical mini-epics of pianist-composer Tim Janis is an idyllic place bursting with chest-swelling grandeur: breathtaking coastlines, luminous sunsets, endless amber waves of grain. Janis, performing on piano and synthesizer, expresses his vision by writing lushly orchestrated, soundtracklike works that he liberally adorns with swelling strings, yearning pennywhistle, emotive cymbal splashes, and heart-tugging crescendos--each brief piece charting a path to a happily-ever-after destination. The approach may be over-the-top for some listeners, but for others, it is an uplifting elixir of audio splendor. For Janis, that's the point. He is enthused by music's therapeutic potential and refers to his recordings and concerts as "music with a mission." So yes, at times Janis is a little guilty of overreaching in his pursuit of one shining moment after another. But the 35-year-old Maine resident, who operates his own independent label and in 2001 topped classical sales charts with his charitable Music of Hope, can also stir deeper emotions on a John Williams-like scale. Notable selections here include "Cape Ann," "Alton Bay," "Grand Lake," Ocean Isle," and a reflective piano interlude, "Star Island." The disc also has a hidden 15th track. --Terry Wood