When the package came in the mail with Ken Elkinson's new CD release entitled "Cue" I was a little surprised that it was solo piano. Oddly, that was just the mood I was in. I was thirsty for something instrumental, something off the normal track, and something that would allow all the thoughts vying for space in my head to just flow. I was hoping that Ken's CD was going to be that type of music, not the mechanical, tin box sounding piano that has become so boring of late.



I read his provocative cover letter that accompanied his CD and smiled. It was suggesting I was in for a treat, but it was when I read his accompanying resume that I was certain I was. Ken has led an intriguing life that begins with a grandmother who recognized his piano destined fingers almost at birth to what must have been a subliminal ploy on his part at about age six to be given piano lessons by walking across a piano keyboard. It is almost a romantic comedy as he explains seeming to fall in and out of love with his destiny, i.e., a piano solo recording career, through colleges, jobs, and bands.

Sufficiently interested in the artist, I pushed start on the CD and truthfully it is still playing in the background as I write this review. It is exactly what I needed.

On "Cue" I found music to think by, music that made me want to get up and do a quiet pirouette, music that made me comfortable enough to rest my elbows on my desk and just listen. There is happy music on the CD, healing music, and music that seems to promise that "in spite of whatever" things will and do get better in life.

You might say I enjoyed "Cue". I did. You might also say I recommend it. I do. It's a "me time" work of art and I believe we all need some "me time."

Oh, there is one vocal cut, and it is entitled "Beautiful Sadness" featuring vocalist Tom Freund. It is the final cut and it is a perfect ending to a perfect offering.

Produced for August Son Productions by Ken Elkinson. Take the cue!