Pianist Maxine Willan Releases 'Evocative, Emotionally Compelling' New Album

Ontario, CA (Top40 Charts/ Newport Festivals Foundation) Maxine Willan is a pianist with a poet's ear. On her new album, "Touching You," Willan's own evocative and emotionally compelling compositions sit alongside the works of Weill, Ellington, and Gershwin without being caught in an eclipse. Such courageousness doesn't usually result in success, but the vivid imagery and unguarded romanticism of Willan's piano strikes memorable chords of its own.

Born and raised in Australia, Willan relocated to Toronto, Canada once she completed her classical piano training. Her purpose in seeking further education in Canada was to study jazz and the music of North America. As a child, Willan was introduced by her mother to the artistry of jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and Thelonious Monk. Inspired by those aforementioned legends, Willan studied with Canada's top piano instructors and started working as a professional pianist in Toronto hotels and clubs. Since then, Willan has performed in jazz festivals throughout Canada and was featured in one of CJRT 91.1 FM's concerts from the Ontario Science Centre. In addition to her solo career, Willan arranges and performs with a number of swing bands in Ontario as well as composing music for several music theater productions locally. Willan released her first album, "Alone and Together," in 1998.

"Touching You" reflects Willan's growing evolution as a pianist. The lovely "Lost in the Stars" is a slow burner; its bittersweet feelings peel open in layers. Willan's playing has the deft strokes of a painter in his zone. "February Dreaming" reflects the incandescent beauty of falling snow in winter. However, "Touching You" is not one-dimensional; it's more than just dazzling moodiness. When Willan plugs into Latin jazz, as on "Punta Cana," there's an electrifying charge that is difficult to resist.