South African jazz pianist and composer Mr JazziQ has released his highly anticipated sophomore solo piano album "All You Need Is Piano 2". Building on the success of his debut in 2020, this 9-track collection sees Mr JazziQ once again demonstrating his incredible skill and creativity on the piano.
As with the first installment, "All You Need Is Piano 2" relies solely on Mr JazziQ's playing, with no other instruments added. This really allows his talent to shine through unaccompanied. The album sees him take on a variety of styles, from smooth jazz and Latin-influenced pieces to more intricate and technically complex numbers.
Across the nine tracks, Mr JazziQ demonstrates his gift for melody, harmony, and rhythm. While some might consider solo piano albums a test of endurance for listeners without other instruments providing variation, he makes it an utterly engaging listen from start to finish. With "All You Need Is Piano 2", Mr JazziQ has once again cemented his status as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary jazz. Fans of solo piano virtuosity and those new to his music will find much to enjoy here.
This album gets a strong recommendation as a highlight of the current jazz scene. With any luck, Mr JazziQ will treat us to further volumes that build on this superb foundation. For beautiful solo piano playing, "All You Need Is Piano 2" certainly delivers.