Review of Cupid Blindfolded by Michael Whalen

Creating different moods or vistas through an instrument is not an easy task by any means, but if done, it gives joy to both the musician and the listener. This is where Michael Whalen excels with such ease. Even if you read some of his articles, you will get to know how thoughtful he sounds, and how deep he goes to make the reader understand the beauty of creating music. And when he gets the chance to make music himself, he actually puts all that knowledge to work.

Solo piano music is a reward for those listeners who know that music is not simply the sound of notes but also the gap between them. And Michael displays an amazing control in this–the way he lets you brood over a note; to explore its meaning; to associate it with a particular emotion, is something very powerful. He lets you weave stories around every song!

Album Name: Cupid Blindfolded

Artist Name: Michael Whalen

Total Time: 42:37

Right from the first track of the album, which also happens to be the title track, Michael invites you to invest some quality time in the process of creation– calming mindfulness that will help you steer clear from the stressful demands of your life for close to quarter to an hour. The challenge to make a solo piano album contextual is not a small one–there is no rhythm or supporting instrument, and you have to make every note count. Yet the onus also lies on the listener to make the effort to travel deep along with the musician to tap the beauty of the album. This type of music is not disco music or based on drum beats, where you tap your feet and have a good time. This music is demanding but equally fulfilling.

“At the Touch of a Lover” is a very delicate piece and carries a lot of musical space between the notes, while “Standing in the Rain” gives you that gentle touches of the raindrops. Same goes for “Sunrise in the Desert” and “The Muse”–I mean listen to any song of the album and know the title of that song to get the feel of the theme, and you can literally experience it through the sound of the piano. Isn’t that just amazing? But how effortlessly Michael does it and does it every time he lands his fingers of the keys of a piano!

If you are ready to create, Michael bids you welcome with his new album, Cupid Blindfolded, where you go in blindfolded but are able to visualize your own imagination.

You can listen to the whole album on Spotify.