Review by RJ Lannan
New Age Reporter

Cory Reese says he has no talent. He is a ..., well, he is not correct. The self-taught pianist has an abundance of talent and his heartfelt tunes are remarkable. I have not heard any of his previous albums, but You Will Soar certainly got my attention. His ten contemporary piano compositions, featuring cellist Steven Sharp Nelson, are thought provoking and dulcet. The album is a story of everyday life. What touches Cory's heart and fills his senses is what might do the same for you. He is fortunate enough to be able to put it into musical terms for us to enjoy.

After the Rain is the lagniappe of life. I learned long ago that a lagniappe is a special gift for no reason at all. Cory was once rewarded with a rainbow after a rainstorm and you can hear exactly what that sounds like and feels like in the music. The mating of piano and cello is like the sunlight and misty drops of rain in the distance. Separately that are wonderful, but together they are miraculous.

The title tune You Will Soar is downright inspirational and lives up to its promise. Cory's piano produces a melody that is like a warm updraft from a canyon that picks you up. It is literally uplifting as you glide away from your earthly cares, become a speck in the deep blue sky and rise above the clouds to an untroubled world. Steven's cello helps keep a steady course as your aerial journey progresses.

Epic is my favorite tune on You Will Soar . A brooding cello backscore and the emphatic cadence of a march remind us that life is an uphill battle. Nevertheless, we do it every day. No matter how much we think the other person has it made, he is thinking the same thing of another. If we do not fight the good fight, then who will?

For centuries Ludwig van Beethoven's popular sonata, written in 1810, has resurfaced countless numbers of times and Cory favors us with his version entitled Variations on Fur Elise . It is a haunting score full of depth and drama, but with the familiarity to make it memorable. It is purely romantic and even though the song's history names another woman as its benefactor, Cory makes it special for the now.

One of the lightest pieces on the recording and the finale is called Little Star . Dedicated to baby Kylee, it the gift of newborn music. It has a consummate tenderness that suggests fragility as well as delight. Tucked lovingly inside the tune are the familiar sparkling notes of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. There is softness and trepidation in the music that goes along with a first encounter to a new life.

Cory Reese says he is just an average guy. Self-taught at age eighteen, he began producing albums at least once a year. You Will Soar is number seven I think. His music encompasses many themes from religious to romantic. Average? I do not think so. His music is bright, emotional and inspirational. Anyone with a moment to practice a little self-indulgence would do well to use Cory's music as a sound track.

Rating: Very Good