Kathryn Toyama's album, Hope for Harmony, lives up to its name. Harmony exists throughout the entire album. Unfortunately, this leaves these eighteen tracks sounding like one long song. The album of Toyama's inspired piano playing is beautiful background music, but leaves one wondering what she could have accomplished if she attempted a little disharmony.
A good album should take a listener on a journey. From the beginning to the end of the song, there should be progression. Instead, much of the album felt too similar, and therefore, left my mind wandering to other subjects. The only song that rose above was the last one, "Beyond a Dream," which featured Richard Alan on guitar. Though playing a very similar tune to those before it, the added instrument gave the music a bit more grit and staying power than what had come before.
That being said, the songs are beautiful. The lush instrumentation would not feel out of place in a movie. More often than not, I found myself imagining walking through the woods, seeing the forest and woodland creatures completely at peace. It could also be the background of the emotional awakening scene in an indie movie. On a more mundane level, it would be the perfect background to a dinner party. Light and non-intrusive, but welcomed when you realized it was on.
The calming aspect of this music is incredible; the light, simple beauty of it is a welcome change from the overproduction of music today. You can enjoy the instrumentation for its own simple elegance or if you need new background for your workout or mediation.
Review by Taylor Rhodes
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