David Berriman - “Angels Playground”

review by Chris Ventzke

One of the drawbacks of being a gifted musician is that the regular format in which an artist performs can reach its' limit for artistic expression. This struggle has caused musicians like Bob Dylan and Miles Davis to take erratic 180 degree pivots in style and format from album to album, often alienating fans in the process.

An alternative approach to this stylistic discontinuity is to perform simultaneously in more than one format, and this is keybordist David Berrimans' approach. As keyboard player for the critically acclaimed "Wrenfields", David plays in a semi-dark, spontaneous and improvisational manner that is an integral part of the bands' style.

With the release of "Angels' Playground," a solo piano album, David gives us an expression of his personal nature in a soft, sentimental and eclectic collection of non-accompanied music. Bereft of the driving rythm section and flailing guitars of a modern rock band like The Wrenfields, David Berriman shares in a very personal way the soft side of his personality.

Most of the pieces were composed by Mr. Berriman, and are occasionally reminiscent of the school of music unfortunately labeled "New Age". Arpeggiated chord-based melodies with familiar tonal centers produce a calming effect upon the listener without demanding critical attention. This music is not virtuostic and does not pretend to be. This music is also not meant to be a catharsis for angst but rather it is a tonic for frazzled nerves.

Davids' solo piano album features two songs from quintessential country pianist Floyd Cramer- his huge mid-60s' hit "Last Date" and an amusing composition entitled "Fancy Pants." These are tunes your Great-Grandmother could have enjoyed. Are they, as we used to say "square"? Yes! Is that bad? No! The human soul strives toward balance, and a little sentimentality should be part of the mix.

David Berrimans' own compositions provide a relaxing, sweetly nostalgic emotion that might be the perfect tonic for your next rush-hour commute. Who knows?- Maybe listening to "Angels' Playground" might save lives by preventing road rage.


Chris Ventzke----


Chris Ventzke performs as a solo pianist at Whitneys' Oyster Bar in Charlevoix, Michigan. He also leads the blues-jazz band "The Doc Woodward Project" from his Hammond B-3 organ.