Solo Piano Publications
"Harmony Grove is Greg Maroneyıs fourth and most inspiring album to date of original
piano solos. What a great album! Drawn from life experiences of the past year as well as
interpretations of his natural surroundings in rural Pennsylvania, Maroney captures a full
spectrum of emotions and musical colors, and presents them in an accessible form that
deepens with each listening. Maroney has been studying the piano since he was five, and
the naturalness of his playing comes from one who has such an intense and intimate
relationship with the instrument that it is truly an extension of who he or she is.
"The Reluctant Ballerina" is one of my favorites. It tells about a timid ballerina who
comes into her own as the music sets her free. The beautiful melody becomes more flowing
as the dancer lets herself go, and itıs easy to picture the shy dancer becoming one with
the music and movement as she gets swept away, forgetting her inhibitions. "Elementals"
was composed during the time of Maroneyıs motherıs illness to her passing. Much darker
in mood, I can imagine Maroney sitting at the piano late into the night, working through
the tangle of emotions that fill a person at such a time. This is a passionate and very
personal piece, and the emotions are clear. The next piece, "Rising," describes the relief
and peace of his motherıs transition. It is also somewhat darker than the other pieces,
but there is a strong feeling of hope and celebration. "Long Walk Home" is a gorgeous
piece. A bit melancholy and introspective, it is in no rush to go anywhere, and seems to
be drinking in whatever it encounters along the way. "Beneath the Sycamore" is full of
grace and longing, and could easily be a lovely movie theme. "Natureıs Fury" is a powerful
depiction of an approaching thunder storm. From watching the ominous black clouds to
feeling a swirling wind to seeing the brilliant flash of lightning, this is a great
piece! The closing track, "The Chicken Chase," is huge fun. Anyone who has experienced
chickens scurrying around the yard looking for food can relate. I could also visualize
children running after the chickens, trying to catch one, and laughing all the way.
This piece must be exhilarating to play!
Harmony Grove is very highly recommended!"
-Kathy Parsons
Amazon.com
When I first listened to Greg Maroney's Solo Piano, I had no idea his music would affect
me so profoundly. I have rarely heard a piano played with such a deeply intuitive quality
all while the music retains an element of fresh natural beauty. This is not dark music
(although "Nature's Fury" seems to speak of approaching storms), it is music that brings
out whatever you are longing for and enhances that feeling. The music itself is brilliant
in its light qualities and playful in its rhythm.
"Elementals" is a mingling of love, loss and resolution.
"Rising" seems to portray the beauty of a relationship that continues no matter the
distance between hearts.
"The Reluctant Ballerina" is exquisite and gives me chills. This music evokes images of a
Ballerina's tentative steps as she learns to fully embrace her talents. As the musical
story progresses we feel that she becomes less aware of those watching her as she spins
in her own world of fantasy.
"Nature's Fury" stunned me into silence. I have rarely heard music this beautiful. I also
love "Long Walk Home."
"The Chicken Chase" had me laughing because I raised chickens in my childhood in Africa
and I vividly remember the day they escaped one by one from the open cage.
Greg Maroney's playing takes your heart to new levels and is a peaceful retreat. I have
fallen asleep on many nights with his music wandering in my dreams.
-Rebecca
