Detlef Keller Harmonic Steps Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Electronic Step 4') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

To me this seems to be quite an introspective work where Detlef has looked deep into himself and his musical career visiting most of the styles I have heard from him before over his many other solo albums but also taking us to realms which if anything are even deeper and more emotional than we have previously seen from him. The overall title of the first CD is 'Electronic Steps' and the second 'Piano Steps'. As you would expect the first is more electronic and the second makes greater use of the piano but there is still some cross over in styles between the two. The second disc is somewhat more tender than the first but there is emotion and energy to some extent in both. 'Electronic Step 1' is just as I would have expected being a highly enjoyable sequencer and rhythm driven foot-tapping piece with just hints of Schulzian stylisms here and there. The 'Second Step' however is much more delicate and highly melodic, the main rhythm being a snare drum, little sequences adding extra interest and movement but without dominating the overall atmos. The next 'Step' is a simply gorgeous piece utilizing symphonic pads over which a piano melody almost bounces along with an equally infectious sequence then rhythm. Beautiful but also uplifting body moving stuff.

A very similar feeling follows through as Detlef takes another Step but this time with less piano and the addition of a high hat line. The sequence also becomes a little more strident from time to time. Now we move to by far the longest 'Step' on the album (at over twenty-three minutes)- number 5. It is a track which has a very gradual build, one element being allowed to do its thing before another is introduced- then another. Slow paced melodic multi layered sequences gently seep into the soul then a wonderful mournful lead line comes in, hitting the spot perfectly. Each time a new subtle rhythm or melody is introduced the enjoyment is cranked up a gear. The final Step on this disc starts out in the cosmos and as with the previous track a slow build up starts as one subtle rhythm after another is added to create a sedate head nodding number.

We move on to CD two. This is the 'Piano' Disc. Even though the piano isn't actually present on quite a few of the tracks, it is overall a much mellower CD than the previous one. The first 'Piano' step is a stunningly beautiful, highly melodic piece mixing wonderfully played piano with some gorgeous strings. Detlef can't half tickle those ivories! 'Step 2' follows a similar formula with the addition of some subtle brass backing then gentle sedate rhythm. The next track has a piano intro but it isn't long before electronics and drums arrive and the pace quickens. It is a piece full of joy and positive energy. 'Step 4' is in complete contrast with some quite heavy electronic stabs and no nonsense drums then moody melodies. It is an excellent track and would have been just as at home on the first disc. Indeed there is no piano in this one at all. The next Step sees a return of the piano- of sorts- the sound being treated and echoing giving it quite an ethereal feel accompanied by some simply gorgeous cello backing which morphs into a more conventional electronic melancholy lead line.