Tom Van Dorn

Tom Van Dorn is a primarily self-taught musician who started playing guitar and piano in his early teens. From blues and boogie jams, he progressed to composing his own songs on both instruments, although most recently focusing much more on acoustic piano compositions. Never having learned to read piano music, his natural musical talent as a player and writer is, nonetheless, impossible to miss with just one listen to this CD; he does not sound like anyone else.

"A Perfect Day" was created in an unplanned setting with nearly the complete collection of songs recorded straight through in one late-night session without a thought or care about making a recording that would later be sold. This total lack of recording pressure is clearly evident from the very first notes as the music simply flows effortlessly in a mellifluous, soothing way that leaves no doubt that this is one gifted and soulful musician.

His unique and natural style of playing that reaches out and speaks to listeners is only one aspect of this recording that sets it apart from other solo-piano CD's. It's also the quality and variety of the songs themselves - each one with understated sophistication and conviction - that leave listeners playing it over and over again, whether in a car, late at night, or first thing on a Sunday morning. Although very difficult to categorize - it is not at all wandering New Age, or Classical - this CD truly is an inspired work of timeless beauty that appeals to people of all ages and musical tastes.