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PURE PIANO PANORAMAS begins where Jeff Bjorck's debut CD, PURE PIANO PORTRAITS ends. Many pieces on Bjorcks first CD reflect his love for the Appalachian woods and Catskill Mountains of his youth. Now, having lived the last decade in Southern California, he has turned to the desert and chaparral for inspiration. From the Joshua Trees of the Mojave Desert (portrayed on the CD cover) to towering thunderclouds hovering above parched earth, Jeffs new songs take the listener on a panoramic tour.
These new pieces were all recorded in 2000. Most were composed over the previous four years, with two exceptions: Day Without A Sun was created in 1977, the year that Jeff lost his only uncle to cancer; Your Love Has Made Me Fly is a 1986 tribute to Sharon, Jeff's wife (and best friend) of ten years. Their first joint effort at songwriting, Sculptor of the Sky, reflects their shared amazement with the beauty of clouds. Several other pieces also convey personal themes. Jeff honors his grandmother, who almost lived to see her hundredth birthday and a new millennium, with Remembering Gramma. An avid hang glider pilot, Jeff's love of flight is manifested in Soaring Mesa Cliffs, which beckons the listener to rise high above the mundane into clear, stark, silent skies.
As he does on his first CD, here Jeff surrounds his own compositions with original arrangements of two traditional hymns. He explains, "Holy, Holy, Holy has long been a favorite, and it served as Sharon's and my wedding processional, so it is particularly special. As for O, The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, I am continually overwhelmed by God's love, and this hymn expresses my sentiments well."
Jeff describes his compositions as "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world." His first CD has provided reassuring focus for mothers in delivery, peaceful rest when insomnia comes knocking, and elegant ambiance at intimate wedding receptions and dinner parties. He remarks, "It is my hope that PURE PIANO PANORAMAS will bring my listeners more of what they enjoy, emotional music with a classical feel that lifts them from the rat race and gently sets them down in a restful place, as far away from everyday chaos as possible."
"...Bjorck's instrumental compositions and playing reflect a vibrancy and radiance that set him apart." -- Louis R. Carlozo, Christian Century Magazine, June 14, 2005"Bjorck's touch...and songwriting skills show such love and heart, listening to his music is like falling in love again!" -- Renee Gelpi, Galaxie CBC Digital Radio Network"Jeff Bjorck plays lovely piano that evokes warm memories from days gone by." -- Marius-Christian Burcea, Producer/Host"Jeff Bjorck's Pure Piano is perfect for those craving peace and contemplation in a frenetic world." -- Capt. Christopher, Cheezmuzik Director, WTUL Radio, New Orleans
Thank you for visiting this site! If you would like to learn more about the music, read additional comments by listeners, or hear two-minute Realaudio samples of each track, please visit my Website. Please write me with any questions or comments of your own at [email protected].
As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, Dr. Bjorck's multifaceted vocation typifies his love for a Renaissance man's approach to life. His approach has also included a lifelong love of creative expression, and piano composition has been a major means to this end.
Jeff's nontraditional method of composition has remained basically the same throughout his life. He sits at the piano, plays spontaneously from the heart, and stops to develop any musical themes that surprise him. He confesses, "Sometimes I feel like a third party, listening to the whole process as an interested observer!" When composing, Bjorck frequently turns to nature as the subject of his portraits. He believes nature embodies God's ultimate artistic creativity. He remarks, "My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ provide vision and give my life its meaning. My creativity merely imitates the Creator."
Born to two artists, Bjorck began creating music when he was ten years old. He also loves composing through the media of photography, illustration, painting, and poetry. When not working or enjoying time with his wife, Sharon, Jeff enjoys occasionally scaring their two cats with his clarinet renditions of 30's and 40's big band tunes. He also loves to seek creative inspiration for new music by hang gliding high above the mountains of Southern California.