The Garden Gate songs tell stories about the richness of love, romance, loss, being alive  - written honestly and openly from the heart. The wonders of the natural world flourish within the songs and I hope resonate with the listener's inner heart and spirit.

 

Certain imagery comes to mind as I compose the music. There is the piece Tundra Swan, written about a beautiful swan which thrives amidst cold winds, icy ground and snow. The middle-eastern flavored Crescent Moon came to mind one evening as the sliver of moon crested the night sky. Fall is simply as it sounds - reflections of the summer garden's harvest now stored, leaves turning color and falling from the trees and the approach of cold wintry nights. Upon my wife Linda's return from a trip to Oregon, I found the expression of my delight and relief in her return in the song At Last.

 

As I continue to translate my world into music and live life in rural Pennsylvania with friends, work, nature and love, two quotes from Henry David Thoreau seem apropos:

 

By Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano:

“The Garden Gate” is pianist/composer Greg Maroney’s seventh release and presents us with some of Greg’s best work to date. Most of the thirteen original tracks are graceful and contemplative, but Greg always throws in at least one or two pieces that let him stretch out at the piano and demonstrate what an accomplished pianist he is. Unlike many pianists, Maroney never does this to show off; the bigger, faster passages are a means to depict drama and power, and he utilizes them to great effect. A trauma nurse who tends a small farm with his wife on their land, Maroney uses his music to express his relationships and experiences with nature and his surroundings, people and pets he cares about, and his own inner life. Obviously, this makes the music very personal and strongly emotive, yet the themes are universal and adaptable to our own experiences. Greg has been one of my favorite composers since I first encountered his music with “Sentinel” in 2002. I’ve also had the pleasure of proofing his sheet music and highly recommend that as well.

“The Garden Gate” begins with “Fall,” a dreamy, somewhat melancholy piece that seems to anticipate changes with grace and resignation. “Rolling Joy” is in constant motion, swirling with carefree abandon. “Romance” is a gorgeous ballad that overflows with tender emotion and longing. I like all thirteen tracks on this album, but one of my favorites is “Crescent Moon.” Beginning and ending as a minor key waltz, a sense of mystery prevails as the piece intensifies and becomes more magical. (For you pianists out there, “Crescent Moon” is a blast to play!) The title song is an ode to joy and the anticipation of discovering what’s beyond the garden gate - another favorite. I also love “Tundra Swan,” a lively piece that conveys a variety of themes: mystery, determination, grace, and even carefree fun. Maroney cleverly incorporates parts of the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts” into this version, imbuing it with a lighthearted energy. “Farewell” closes the CD with a warm, conversational melody that expresses several emotions with grace and eloquence and makes you hate to see it end. Greg Maroney is an artist who just keeps getting better. If you love emotionally rich music, a clear clean piano sound, and an exceptionally masterful piano technique, Greg Maroney is your man! “The Garden Gate” is available from gregmaroney.com, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com. Very highly recommended!