#ICYMI RootsTime reviews: Charles Xavier – Pandemic Piano

#ICYMI RootsTime reviews: Charles Xavier – Pandemic Piano

Sep 29, 2022

CHARLES XAVIER – PANDEMIC PIANO

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Tag: Happy Note Records”The flag covers the load” is a saying that can 100% apply to the new album “Pandemic Piano” by American musician Charles Xavier from San Francisco, California. In his home port he is better known by his call sign ‘The Xman’. With “Pandemic Piano” he is now releasing his latest seventh album, a record he recorded during the corona pandemic period. This record follows six years after his previous release “Happy Note Records Sampler 2016”.

This new album contains a total of 28 pieces of self-composed instrumental piano music that range from half a minute to six minutes for the longest-lasting piece “Sexual Vibration Chakra”. In those different tracks he also alternates between ambient rock, neo-jazz and melodic pieces that sometimes lean towards world music and New Age. Those looking for accompaniment music to listen to while meditating will undoubtedly find what they are looking for in “Pandemic Piano”.

To give you an idea of what to expect on this album, we include two pieces of music in the form of audio videos. First Charles Xavier plays the song “You Know”, the very first track on this record and after that we can relax for three minutes on the song “Swallow”. For those who have already taken a seat behind the piano keyboard, there may be some ideas here to try for themselves.

The instrument piano only came into the life of Charles Xavier at a later age, who at the age of 16 was mainly interested in drumming. But it was the jazz music he learned during his ‘arranger and composer’ studies at the famous ‘Berklee College Of Music’ in Boston and subsequent studies at the ‘Creative Music Studio’ in Woodstock, New York that definitively took him to the white stage. -and-black keys of the piano.

The loneliness and seclusion during the lockdown period due to ‘Covid-19’ served as the main source of inspiration in composing these dreamy pieces of piano music, although that is not really apparent from the titles he has given to these mini works. “Pandemic Piano” is a pure solo album with only piano sounds played by Charles Xavier who also took on the role of album producer. We can therefore especially recommend this record to those who like to lie back in a lazy chair and enjoy quiet moments and contemplation, possibly accompanied by a loved one and/or a nice glass of wine by candlelight or warm dimmed light.

Charles Xavier

Charles Xavier

Aug 15, 2022

Charles Xavier

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Soundcloud: “Pandemic Piano Collage 2021”

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Spotify: “When I Think of You”

Apple Music: “When I Think of You”

Publicity: Profil (French), Let It Rock, Midwest Book Review, Music in Belgium, NBC Studio 10, Goldmine

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Mixed Media Client since: 2022

Charles Xavier and his faithful pooch hit the road with Ella Across America

As we speak, Charles Xavier, jazz musician, ambient instrumentalist, and composer, is making his way from San Francisco to his home in Massachusetts. But it’s not just any cross-country trip. Xavier will be accompanied by his Great Pyrenees dog Ella in a new-to-him RV, and he’ll be live-streaming his passage along the way. Xavier’s calling the show Ella Across America.

 

The 3,000-mile busking trek will feature impromptu performances, jam sessions, and interviews with local musicians. And while he hasn’t scheduled any appearances, per se, he’s counting on the comfort and open arms of those he encounters—a few acquaintances and many soon-to-be friends—for his musical opportunities.

 

At the same time, Xavier will also be promoting Pandemic Piano, his new recording, released on his label Happy Note Records, which he describes as an ambient/melodic/neo-jazz/New Age work. It’s a relaxing meditative work designed to foster mindfulness and peace. It’s the music he’ll be playing for folks on his cross-country trip and the perfect introduction to the artist’s work.

 

The Ella Across America tour also comes at a logical time in his life. Xavier’s marriage of 30 years ended (amicably), as did his patience with the Bay Area. He sold his house, bought the RV, and prepped Ella for the long journey back East. “It’s one man, one dog, and one piano,” says Xavier, who’ll look to play in National Parks, dog parks, yoga studios, meditation centers, and anywhere else he encounters that might include friendly receptive folks. “I didn’t want to plan too much,” he says. “I want to live in the moment. I want to be in the present. I’m looking for people willing to love what I do. I want them to know I’m a new person, a more loving person, interested in spreading love.”

 

So, Xavier’s story is fascinating indeed. He’s leaving a lucrative life in Silicon Valley as a composer/musician/post-production director (which included a four-year stint helping to develop the “Siri” product for Apple), as well as his marriage of three decades, and he’s setting out to cross the country. Xavier and Ella, alone together in a newish RV, tricked out with Wi-Fi to accommodate his intention to live-stream as much of his adventure as possible.

 

The show Ella Across America is a real-time docudrama: composer/musician/post-production director separates from wife after 30 years, leaves thriving Silicon Valley Suburbia San Bruno with his dog Ella, a spiritual breed of a dog Great Pyrenees, capturing cross country travels in a specially equipped RV van for streaming media.

 

“I’m really excited about all of this,” says Charles. “I’m happy to be living in the present. I’m happy to be with Ella. A year ago, I never would have predicted this tour would take place but it’s finally happening, and I’m interested in what Ella and I will encounter along the way.”

 

Listen to Pandemic Piano Collage by Charles Xavier: https://soundcloud.com/charlesxavier/pandemic-piano-collage-2021-charles-xavier

To purchase the new single: https://music.apple.com/us/album/when-i-think-of-you- single/1634449086

To purchase the album on bandcamp: https://charlesxavierjr.bandcamp.com/album/pandemic-piano

The album will also be available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other digital stores.

 

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