Ian Rushton
Ian Rushton is a UK born New Zealander, producer and self-taught pianist and guitarist, offering anything from contemporary classical and pop/rock instrumentals to adult contemporary pop and rock songs. He regularly collaborates with musicians from around the globe to create an exciting and varied mix of pop/rock and easy-listening music. Ian has 5 album releases to his credit. The focus here is on his most recent, Spring Will Come Again, but the others can be perused here.
CD: Spring Will Come Again (see image above)
Reviewer: Simon Sweetman, NZ Musician, Oct/Nov 2006
This a return to Rushton’s piano-based instrumental style of earlier albums “All That You Need” and “Something To Live By”. There is no question that Rushton can play and has orchestrated and arranged some fine ambient background music here. I imagine this to be a sought after release for nail clinics, masseuses, physiotherapists and acupunturists - or for doctors’ and dentists’ waiting rooms. And I’m not suggesting that with any cynacism [sic] or sarcasm. Rushton’s music is reminiscent of the Phil Coulter school of piano, or Jean Michel Jarre’s early 1990’s work, where he eshewed the synths for a gentler; more melodic, straight piano aproach. But Michael Nyman or Philip Glass this is not! “Spring…” is his fifth album release since December 2002 and with two further albums apparently planned this year, it might well be an idea for Ian Rushton to slow down, change course somewhat and branch out into collaboration. I could see him making a fine musical director or arranger for a talented young diva.
Reviewer: Dave Keir
Title: Ian Has Written The Score To My Dayjob Commuting…
Yep, indeed. There’s many an evening I drive off into the sunset from the damned dayjob with Ian’s music in the CD player unfurrowing my brow and providing optimism for my evening ahead …and confirmation that the world of independent music-making is a fine place to be. Ha! There’s something cleansing about Ian’s music! From Dusk To Dawn is a favourite takes me to another place. And Simply Devine has an open-hearted romanticism that is kept far, far from any hint of sentimentality or schmalz by razor-sharp guitar work. My own penchant for harmonic treats often causes me to smile at the smartly pointed chord voicings and modulations. Production-wise, this issue is up with the very, very best. A happy liaison of art and craft.
Links:
Buy the CD!
Ian’s Website (Black Sands Music)
