"The Piano Man" showcases Kyle's wide variety of musical
styles.
The opening 'Hadacol Boogie' features red hot boogie-woogie piano at its
finest.
The album takes on a journey of rollin' New Orleans style piano on 'High Blood
Pressure', the old standards get Kyle's unique touch, such as 'More Than You Know', and a beautiful instrumental version of 'Deep Purple'.
'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On' is arguably the best solo version recorded of this
archetype rock n roll classic.
'I Shot The Sheriff' gets a very unique interpretation, and is recorded as an
instrumental.
'The Piano Man' album features 3 classical numbers. The instrumental 'For The Piano'
was the idea of pianist Mac Frampton, to mix in classical with modern pop, Bachs 'Minuet In G' blends seamlessly interwoven with Billy Joels 'Piano Man'.
'Allegro' (First Movement From Sonata in G) was the first classical piece Kyle
learnt, as a necessity if he was to continue using the music departments pianos at Forfar Academy! However, this recording is Kyle's unique version of it. A jazzed up version of a Haydn composition,
which also features a few blasts of rockin' boogie during the number, while keeping the melody intact.
'Turkish March' (Rondo alla turca), the Mozart classic, was recorded live in
California. Kyle sticks to the original score (with a few embellishments) until towards the end where he couldn't resist rocking it up a bit with some blisteringly fast 8 to the bar boogie left hand.
(and listen to the audiences reaction!)
The CD closes with a bonus track called 'Melodiano Melody', an original Kyle Esplin
composition. What differs from the rest of this album, this track features Kyle on piano, but also adding a 2nd track overdub, playing the lead on Melodica. The result is a very unique bluesy number which perfectly wraps up this solo album showcasing the many musical styles of
Kyle.
"The Future's Not What It Used To Be" was produced and perform entirely by Kyle, along with
Stuart McLaren on drums.
On this album Kyle plays piano, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and vocals.
From the opening Mickey Newbury penned song 'The Futures Not What It
Used To Be', until the closing 'It Sure Was (Love)' written by Kris Kristofferson, this album is a lyrical and musical
journey.
It features an original composition by Kyle, 'Jet Lag Blues', a piece that came about after Kyle travelled for 2 days from South
America to his home studio in Scotland.
Next up is a Warren Zevon song 'Don't Let Us Get Sick'. Almost a prayer
for the road of life, as the chorus goes:
"Don't let us get sick, don't let us get old, don't let us get stupid, alright?
Just make us be brave, make us play nice, and let us be together tonight."
What more could you ask for?
'House Of Blue Lights' is a real boogie woogie treat.
'Kiss The World Goodbye' (a not often heard Kris Kristofferson song)
'Mean Cheatin' Woman' is a New Orleans rollin' groove that has Kyle playing on the Rhodes electric piano, featuring long extended
solos.
'Just Dropped In' (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) also has Kyle playing a Rhodes electric piano, with a suitable psychedelic production to add the finishing touches to this Mickey Newbury classic.
'I Remember The Good' and 'Sweet Memories', 2 more Mickey Newbury ballads, rich, deep songs with appropriate orchestration.
'It Sure Was (Love)' A Kris Kristofferson song that has been given Kyle's unique touch. A rollin' funky piano part illustrates the
song creating an underlying groove while the story goes on….
"There have been some classic recordings over the years - but not only is this wonderful CD a reminder of those former glories, it adds to the continuing glory." - 'Now Dig This' Magazine
"Doin' The Mess Around" is a studio version of Kyle's popular performances enjoyed
by guests on luxury cruise liners throughout the world. Backed up by a an 8 piece band with brass section, and with Davie Ritchie providing some swinging harmonica solos, this album is like a studio
performance of the popular songs cruising guests enjoy at sea on luxury cruise liners. However the album features extended solos, from Kyle and the band.