American Record Guide

Quirky and upbeat, these mesmerizing works by composer Eric Craven are tonal in language but unconventional in the way that they are notated: the composer has written fixed note values and left dynamic and tempo choices up to the pianist. Irish pianist Mary Dullea is given extra credit on this album and for good reason: not only did she play these pieces, she “realized” them as well. The result of this artistic input from these two musicians is one of true artistic alchemy: Dullea plays to her strengths while showing the bright colors of Craven’s work with aplomb and grace and care.

—Stephanie Boyd