GregHowley.com

A long time ago, I blogged about a classical pianist and singer called Elly K, who after my post actually left a comment on my site. Since then, she's changed her stage name to her real name: Elizaveta. Actually, her real name is Elizaveta Igorevna Khripounova, but I really can't pronounce or even remember that name, so I'll just keep referring to her as Elly.

Elly has an album titled after what I consider her best song: Breakfast with Chopin. It only has six songs, and two of those I already had copies of, but I still find myself glad that I bought the album. The majority of these songs are taken directly from classical pieces, which of course are centuries into public domain. But she's taken popular classical music, made minor alterations, and added lyrics. I loved this years ago when I heard Breakfast with Chopin, but amazingly she's made it work with a few others on this album.

Breakfast with Chopin is the same song I'd already heard, but with the welcome addition of strings. What sounds like a string quartet backs the piano, and really adds to the piece. Likewise, Storyteller, the other song of Elly's that I already owned, has been similarly improved. This time, not only has the string quartet been added, but a certain stacatto quality has been applied to both piano and vocals that I find very appealing. If you listen closely, you can hear what sounds like a cello being softly plucked during certain portions of the song.

Snapshot is my favorite new song. I recognise the classical piece, yet can't name it. Elly somehow manages to capture that perfect timing that I can never seem to imitate when I myself play piano - it just teeters off the end of a beat in a way that leaves you hanging in anticipation. The addition of an accordian really works here too.

Lullaby for E is based on a piece that I can actually name: Fuer Elise. The rhythm has been totally changed with the addition of bass guitar and drums, but the plucky little beat is so catchy that I found myself humming it in the shower this morning.

Mariner's Song is a another song which is doubtless based on another classical melody with which I'm not familiar. The flute, strings, and piano work well together to create a beautiful haunting melody that is another of my favorites on the album.

The final song on the disc is Kite. It's a fanciful little tune about being a kite. "It lives on the ground but it dreams of the sky / a bird trapped inside of a heart that aches to fly"

You can listen to clips from the album on Elly's CD Baby page.