TJPL News

Martin Graff's "Window Rain"

Pianist and composer Martin Graff welcomes the new year with “Window Rain,” a stunning instrumental piece that captures the hypnotic beauty of raindrops dancing on a windowpane during a thunderstorm. The track is an evocative journey through tonal classical, jazz, and cinematic minimalism, influenced by the likes of Claude Debussy, Keith Jarrett, George Winston, and Liz Story. Recorded at Blue House Productions in Kensington, Maryland, “Window Rain” is elevated by the use of a 1978 Yamaha concert grand piano, meticulously restored to create an even richer, more introspective sound. Graff’s dynamic touch on the keys breathes life into this composition, seamlessly transitioning between delicate arpeggios, cascading melodies, and expressive harmonies that mirror the ebb and flow of rainfall.

Graff’s approach to composing is deeply personal—he challenges himself to create music that first and foremost impresses him, ensuring an authentic and distinctive sound. With “Window Rain,” he achieves just that: a technically intricate yet emotionally fluid piece that invites the listener to interpret its narrative in their own way. While the piece’s inspiration is rooted in nature, its impact extends far beyond—evoking nostalgia, tranquility, and deep reflection.

Produced with the assistance of jazz musician Jeff Gruber, who lent his discerning ear in selecting the best takes, “Window Rain” balances precision with organic spontaneity, making it a standout in contemporary solo piano music. This release further solidifies Martin Graff’s reputation as a composer whose work resonates on both an intellectual and emotional level. A must-listen for fans of modern classical, neoclassical, and ambient piano music.

—TJPL News Staff Writer, March 1, 2025

TJPL News is an urban print and digital magazine out of London, England uncovering unsigned artists and bringing them to the wider world.