The Small Hours
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley February 16, 2025
Artist – Neil Patton
Distributor: Neil Patton Music
Released: October 2024
Running Time: 1 hour 9 mins
Website: https://neilpatton.net/collections/the-small-hours-complete-collection
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There are times in life filled with a myriad of attention grabbing moments which leave behind a desire to sink into another time and space. Music, in the form of solo piano played by Neil Patton, in his latest release The Small Hours is the perfect antidote to counteract the malaise of modern living.
Made up of fifteen gentle, soothing songs the music simply flows, bringing with it the gift of relaxation and comfort. The small hours are the times when we all reflect on our day, or life or events that are past or present and it is in these small hours, the need to accept and relax is so very important.
Commencing with The Days End the enticing notes of the piano welcome you into just over an hour of gentle repose. The reflective Room with a View encourages a seeking of what is hidden in the vista of all surveyed.
Changing the tempo, is the jaunty The Moon and Sun Dance a delightfully light piece as it paints a quaint picture of the Sun and Moon as they do indeed dance across the skies.
The title song The Small Hours captures with a soft melancholy the darkness of the small hours that enclose us all at some point in time, with a steady and yet robust rhythm concluding with a delicate reverberation.
Each composition has been inspired by a life event; the magic of the night skies, the passing of a beloved family member, the magic discovered in dreams of flying, a prayer in times of need, the acceptance of life and so many times, blind trust.
The Small Hours is a delightfully enjoyable solo piano album which will be calm and relax time after time. Thoroughly enjoyable and delightful.