Beyond Cloud Nine

This kind of talent is truly hard to find. His pieces are so powerful as a solo pianist, then add the other instruments and what is created is truly phenomenal. If you love expressive, powerful music then this is the composer for you. Highly, highly recommend.

Another exceptional album from Philip Wesley. Beautiful music that transcends genre. His music isn't heard as much as it is felt. Highly, highly recommend.

It has been two years since Philip Wesley’s last album, "Transcend," and "Beyond Cloud Nine" is quite different. Wesley’s previous seven albums were all solo piano and this one includes strings and other instrumentation performed by The Dreamworld Symphony. The piano is front and center throughout the album, but the orchestral additions add a new dimension to Wesley’s music. The other big difference from his previous albums is that "Beyond Cloud Nine" is much lighter and more romantic, with most of the pieces composed in major keys. Don’t get me wrong, this album isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but it is an interesting change in direction for this pianist/composer who has been known for his darker and more brooding music since his 2003 debut, "Finding Solace." Two years in the making, the album was recorded at Dreamworld Productions on a Schimmel grand piano, and was produced, engineered, and mastered by Doug Hammer - a musical genius in his own right! Pianists will be happy to know that there is a companion sheet music book and individual downloads for all sixteen pieces on the album. Only the piano parts have been transcribed - you don't need to hire a small orchestra to make this music sound good! "Beyond Cloud Nine" begins with “Falling For You,” a soft and dreamy piece that could be subtitled “Floating On Cloud Nine.” Piano and strings beautifully blend to set the romantic mood. The light and ethereal “Sweetest Dream” is a deep sigh set to music. “Firefly Light” ups the tempo a bit, but is still very much on the delicate side. The notes in the treble end of the piano have a sparkle while the background strings gently swirl and flow - a favorite. “Love’s Crush” sounds more like the Philip Wesley we know. A bit darker and more passionate, it’s a favorite, too. The accompanying cello is gorgeous, as is the piano, of course! The title track is a duet for piano and cello - my favorite combination of instruments - and sounds like a warm and happy daydream. David Lanz has had a strong influence on many contemporary composers, and I hear a bit of his romantic music in “Day We Met.” “Summer Fields” suggests the movement of a warm breeze lazily blowing through tall grasses - an image I always enjoy! “Push Pull” begins very delicately and freely in the upper registers of the piano - almost fragile. In the second half of the piece, strong notes from the deep bass of the piano give the piece weight and a feeling of determination. I really like this one, too! “Infinite” would be lovely in a magical movie soundtrack. The flowing broken chords, haunting wordless vocals, and poignant melody make this piece especially memorable. “Ripple Across Time” returns to a more powerful and dramatic playing style that calms as it winds down, closing the album gently and peacefully. Philip Wesley has been one of the most popular pianist/composers in the new age genre for quite awhile now, so it’s brave and commendable that he is taking his music in a somewhat different direction. For new listeners and fans alike, it’s a very pleasant journey and shows us a different side of Wesley’s compositional growth and style. Recommended!

philip wesley is truly a living, famous artist with a reputation on the piano often seen when the artist is no longer with us. truly spectacular

Philip has composed a significant number of outstanding piano scores, but Beyond Cloud Nine is his most outstanding effort to date. There just isn't a bad track on this album. Every time I listen to it, I come away with a new "favorite." Thanks Philip for an outstanding album. This one touches my heart and gives me chills.

Another brilliant album from a brilliant composer. Phillip is such a unique composer, his music always has amazing depth, almost like you are listening to a story. “It’s Always Been You” is my favorite song on the album right now, but this is a great piece that I highly recommend.

Philip Wesley never fails to write incredible pieces! Very excited for the album to come out

I've been a fan of Philip Wesley for about 6 years now, he being the first to expose me to the solo piano realm. Enriched with deep tones and melodies his style and play speaks to the soul and will pull on your heart. He's an inspiration to me and much of my own apprenticed piano playing has been influenced by his works. It's been a joy and privilege learning and loving his work and now all the more expectant to hear and embrace his new album "Above Cloud Nine".