[ Genres: Classical / Piano / Soundtrack ]
High art and pop culture, though crafted of the same clay, have come to be mutually exclusive terms. One doesn’t often think of Mozart and Britney Spears as relevantly similar and try to compare them as such; however, Kevin Mongelli possesses the rare ability to transport safely the traditions of classical form and composition into the realm of modernity. As a composer and pianist, Mongelli identifies with composers of the Late Classical and Romantic periods (if I’m not mistaken, I hear an appropriation of a rhythmic figure from Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata) as well as fellow composer Nobuo Uematsu and pianist Yiruma, but categorizing it specifically is difficult because piano music without words is a world of diverse subtlety.
[ Sounds Like: Piano by Kevin Mongelli, Debussy, Frédéric Chopin, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Edward Elgar ]
… read the rest if this author’s review below …
“Darker Days” by Kevin Mongelli rated on a 5 Star Rating Scale
Author Rating: 4.2/5
Founder (Music Producer & Publisher) Rating:
Composition: 5/5 Arrangement: 5/5 Performance: 4/5 Production: 4/5 Hit Potential: 3/5
Mongelli definitely commands an extensive knowledge of functional chromaticism. For those not fluent in musical jargon, this means that he has the ability to take the notes that would normally sound wrong and make them sound right in context. The implementation of this technique along with the use of extended harmonies creates a rich and colorful sound palette from which Mongelli expresses his vision of artistry. Still, even with all of the technical prowess buried within the confines of this music, the fact that it can understood by the average ear with relative ease is a testament to Mongelli’s skill.
It’s not often that I get excited about modern piano compositions, mainly because many of them are just stagnant successions of parallel fifths (a sort of taboo in classical music tradition) attached to a generic “inspirational” term. However, I can hear Mongelli’s “Darker Days” playing through the speakers of my car as I navigate the winding, treacherous roads surrounding a mountain range. The intention is to create a certain mood by combining the nuanced beauty of the classical and the dynamic appeal of the contemporary, and the purpose is fulfilled in expert fashion.
Kevin Mongelli creates and performs original piano music with unexpected insight and intensity. DARKER DAYS is the opening piece from Kevin’s 2012 release of the “Fort Lonesome” album with ten new original compositions.
o Winner at the 2012 Song of the Year Competition for his original piece “Darker Days” in the Instrumental category.
o FORT LONESOME, Kevin’s third album, was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2012 Indie Music Channel Awards.
o Mongelli won the award for Best Male Soundtrack Artist at the 2012 Indie Music Channel Awards.
o Currently a semi-finalist at the 2012 Show Me The Music Competition for his piece “Darker Days”.
The “Ascension” album, Mongelli’s premier release in 2009, was followed by “Christmas Variations” in 2010. Positive reviews, as well as reaction from listeners around the world, affirm that his music has found a devoted audience which continues to grow.
ALL albums are available from all of the major online retailers including Amazon, iTunes, Rhapsody, and CD Baby. Tune in on Pandora and Jango Internet Radio.
“Kevin Mongelli is to piano what Einstein is to E=MC² and his work on Fort Lonesome is just as intelligent and memorable.”
– 2012 March/April issue of I Am Entertainment Magazine
“… a top notch composer…inspiring yet accessible, profound yet easy to understand.”
– James Moore, IMP
“He creates a depth of sound with just a piano that is rarely heard from artists and songwriters alike.”
– Paul Ruth , The Independent Music Scene
“Original piano compositions that offer something quite rare: pieces that are classical yet relatable.”
– Devon Jackson, Freelance Music Journalist
Follow Kevin Mongelli on the web & these social networks
Official Website: PianoEloquence.com – Reverb Nation – MySpace – Last.fm – Youtube – Facebook
