Searching For Solace
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley January 8, 2026
Artist – Jon Dahlander
Distributor: Appple Music. Amazon Music
Released: 4 November 2025
Running Time: 48mins 36secs
Website: https://www.jondahlander.com/press/album-review-searching-for-solace/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jon.dahlander
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQAwAnSDHzD/
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Jon Dahlander is a man who, when he sits to play the piano, allows a true depth of emotion to guide his creation, which is very apparent on his latest release Songs of Solace, a beautiful album which enchants and captivates as its weaves a sense of peace and acceptance.
His last album, Songs for Smiler McGee was released in 2017 and therefore this latest release is an absolute joy to listen to as time in this case, makes the pleasure of new album very special.
Dahlander explores the deepest emotions, each one delivered a with a delicate touch. Thirteen songs, each one a gem within itself come together to create perfection which begins with Osage, a delightful, reflective song to help set the mood, the scene the moment in time to sit and enjoy.
Moving through the collection the first songs are all somewhat deeper until you get to the interesting Miss which can, if you are into interpreting mood, be contemplated from many differing perspectives. A softly gentle favourite is Wave but just prior to that the catchy little Cherry wafts in breath of change with its uplifting tempo.
Remnant is a somewhat intriguing name for a final song: is it letting go of the remnants which hold us back or the viewing of life as we live it filled with remnants of things we no longer understand or need. Whatever the sentiment that drives the creation of the song the endless magic of music is that you can see within each carefully created note, whatever dream you choose to envision.
Songs for Solace will be one collection of reflective pieces to be enjoyed time and time again.