Main About the CD Bio Performances Guestbook Photos Contact/Bookings

About the New CD

Modal Soul: Contemporary Piano & Keyboard Jazz for Contemplation & Delight has eight selections which draw on all of Stephen Merriman's musical experience — and a fair slice of life experience — from the late '60s to now.

All the music on Modal Soul is two-hands-on, as you'd hear it in performance. Stephen uses a Yamaha P120 digital piano, Presonus Firebox audio/digital interface, and DSP-Quattro software on an Apple iBook to create everything you hear on this CD, from the stunning acoustic piano sound to the split keyboard left-hand rhythm section. All the playing is in real time — no rhythm machine, no loops.

Stephen's deft touch at recording and post-production has resulted in unusually brilliant sound quality on the CD, far better than is achievable with standard digital download formats. For a truly sublime listening experience, put the CD in and let the sound wash over you.

You can hear short, lo-fi clips of the first two tracks below; you can hear longer lo-fi clips of all tracks and purchase Modal Soul at CDbaby.com

Track Listing

1. Walkin'
2. Emily's Song
3. Lament
4. The Call
5. Alone
6. Staircase
7. Modal Soul
8. Awaiting First Light