Album review/press release: Noah Stoneman - Anyone’s Quiet: Let It Rain to You

Noah Stoneman is undoubtedly one of the many outstanding young pianists to emerge from the music colleges/academies/conservatoires - call them what you will. Rather like a pop star who wins a TV talent show, they are instantly thrown into the deep end unlike it was, back in the old days, where they paid their dues in bars and clubs and gained their experience by listening to records and older musicians before getting their foot, or a least a couple of toes into the doors of such jazz meccas as Ronnie's, Pizza, 606 or Vortex to mention but a few.

This isn't a rant, it's an observation and I think that both the old school and the current intake could have benefited from each other's learning curve.

However, that's just a few of my thoughts on what is an appealing album. I've said too much already so I'll let the press release (of which I totally agree with) take over. Lance

Press release

Anyone’s Quiet: Let It Rain to You is the debut album from jazz piano prodigy and rising star composer Noah Stoneman.  At just 22 years old, Noah Stoneman has surpassed all expectation on his instrument of choice, clearly demonstrating an innate talent that could often take a lifetime to achieve. This is very much evident on Noah’s exciting new album - a captivating body of work that perfectly showcases the young pianist’s expertise in an exquisite light.

As a sideman, Noah Stoneman has lent his skill and vibrancy to a range of successful projects, most notably recording with the likes of Alex Hitchcock, Ferg Ireland and Jason Brown on the celebrated 2022 album ‘Dream Band’ (also featuring a plethora of other excellent and well-known artists). Having been a valuable contributor to the success of this project and many others, it is now time for Noah Stoneman to take centre stage, presenting his own work to the music media and discerning fans worldwide.

Anyone’s Quiet: Let It Rain to You features Stoneman’s trusted collaborators in the form of a core trio with Will Sach on double bass and Luca Caruso on drums. The album is produced by the renowned jazz pianist Kit Downes, who has in recent years been somewhat of a mentor to Stoneman. Downes’ involvement in the project provides a glowing endorsement of his belief that the young pianist represents the next generation of remarkable players.

Building upon and developing his studies at The Royal Academy Of Music, Noah Stoneman is undoubtedly adept at a wide range of musical idioms, taking influence from many different styles and genres of music both contemporary and traditional. The multi-faceted and open-minded nature of Noah’s approach can be clearly heard on the new album. Speaking on his approach, Noah comments: “This record is about finding moments of solace and quiet amongst noise. The creation of the album itself was a practise of self discipline, meditation, concentration and trust in the long-term for myself. My hope is that people can find some sense of quiet reflection or poetry in listening to it; that they embrace the ebbs and flows and trial and error of everyday life that the music speaks to.’ 

With recent performances at a wide range of leading music venues and festivals around the world, including Manchester Jazz Festival, La Petite Halle in Paris and Somersby Festival in Lisbon and much more ahead Noah Stoneman is undoubtedly a musician on the ascendance to a fulfilling and inspiring career. Anyone’s Quiet: Let It Rain to You is the best possible start to this journey a ‘real deal’ album brimming with sheer excellence.

Noah Stoneman - Piano/Compositions

Will Sach - Double Bass

Luca Caruso - Drums 

Produced by Kit Downes 

Engineered and Mixed by Sonny Johns at Livingstone Studios

Mastered by Peter Beckmann at Technologyworks studios

Track Listing:

1.     Tomas and Terez 

2.     Borders

3.     Evanesce

4.     Calm

5.     Mourndoom

6.     Band Of Brothers

7.     Postlude

8.     Strands

9.     Major

Released By Fresh Sounds Records. Catalogue No:  FS649