When people think about classical music typically images of wealth, concert halls and older people come to mind. Too often music genre’s are attached to unfair stereotypes distract from  to the art form. Fortunately, I was taught to look past these stereotypes and see classical music for its true beauty.

Like many genres of music, the world of classical music is large and full of sub genre’s. I was drawn to a style of classical musical called Romanticism. It emphasized  raw emotion and the revolutionary ideas of the 19th century. As a kid I heard the music of Chopin and Debussy along side the music of James Brown and Curtis Mayfield. This musical diversity can be attributed to my father who is an avid listener of classical music. This in turn influenced my playing style when I decided to take up the piano at age 12.

Also available on iTunes – CD’s on bandcamp.

With Romantic Reflections I wanted show the vulnerable side of the classical music. I understand that people are not expecting a solo classical piano EP from a hip hop/funk/soul producer from Brooklyn. But I’m a firm believer that classical music has the power to reach the hearts of many people from all lifestyles. So I am confident  this EP can transcend generations and cultures from around the world.

The recording of Romantic Reflections was a intensive process. The project was recorded over a 12 month period  in an apartment in Park Slope Brooklyn. Each piece took months of practice before it was ready to be recorded. So in essence, each song contains my own interpretation of the composers work along with the emotions that I was feeling at the time. None of this would have been possible with out the encouragement and support of my long time piano teacher Rachel Jimenez. She also acted as the executive producer, recording engineer, and mixing engineer for this project.  I am also very thankful to Charles le Brigand and Ali  Nassiri for helping me create a visual representation of Romantic Reflections.

With that being said I sincerely hope that you enjoy this project.

Jason Minnis aka ClassicBeatz

Credits:
Pianist – Jason Minnis aka ClassicBeatz
Executive Producer, Recording & Editing - Rachel Jimenez
Mixed by Jason Minnis aka ClassicBeatz
Mastering by Pete Maher for Top Floor music
Photography, Videography and Visual Direction by Stephane Missier aka Charles le Brigand
Graphic Design by Ali Nassiri from Digital Park