'Reverie' by Stefan Sirbu

Celebrating the release of his new project, 'Reverie', pianist Stefan Sirbu paints an exquisite sonic landscape alongside some venerable collaborators for his sophomore album release.

The Moldova-born and German-based musician certainly delivered an impassioned statement of intent following the release of his 'Autumn Whispers' debut in 2021.  A warmly-received project that displayed Sirbu's affections for performing alongside somewhat unexpected and international performers with 'Autumn Whispers' boasting collaborations with guitarist Fabio Gouvêa and drummer Paulo Almeida from Brazil and double-bassist Roberto Koch from Venezuela.

A storyteller at heart, Sirbu's music displays a variety of interwoven narratives - a technique that worked wonders for 'Autumn Whispers' but reaches transcendent levels for 'Reverie'.  An album that was envisaged to serve as something of a day dreamers' soliloquy, 'Reverie' exists within those moments of reflection and meditation - an abstract divinity that finds you staring aimlessly out of the train window during the morning commute or succumbing to the tiredness of the day's work stresses as the allure of home draws you ever closer.  It's a rare and magical moment of quiet solace that can take you to the bliss of last night's intimacy or to the lament of what could have been.

'Reverie' is brought to life by an all new and equally dynamic selection of collaborators in the New York-based ensemble including saxophonist Julieta Eugenio, double-bassist Clovis Nicolas and drummer Anthony Pinciotti.  It was having seen the trio perform as part of a quarantined online performance that brought Sirbu to their attention ultimately leading to 'Reverie'.  Sadly the album also serves as something of a swansong for drummer Pinciotti who passed away not long after the album's completion making the beauty of 'Reverie' a fitting commemoration to the talented musician's own legacy.

Across the album's seven ethereal compositions, Stefan Sirbu and company do immaculate justice to the album's concept through a series of original, Sirbu-penned compositions that display an undeniable joy within their presentation.  While an album that openly embraces its influences and inspirations - from Coltrane to Bach - the project still resonates as deeply personal to the pianist and band leader as 'Elsa au Miroir' is revisited from 'Autumn Whispers' and 'V.S.T. (Valse Sans Titre)' is a piece composed by Sirbu over twenty years ago.     

Once again Stefan Sirbu creates a timeless piece of music within a burgeoning catalogue of beautiful releases.  As humbly surmised by Sirbu at the conclusion of the album's inlay card, all that remains is to… "Enjoy the music".