Songwriter, composer, and pianist Ade Ishs has created a harmonious ten-song masterpiece of piano treasures entitled New Butterfly. Aptly titled, New Butterfly’s entire collection is like a transformation complete with piano rhythms and tones culminating into a strong, professional effort. Ade captures many different emotions in song highlighting acoustic jazz, classical, and meditating cascades. From softly falling leaves to ripples on a calm sea and therapeutic meditations to quiet nights on the beaches of Melbourne Australia, Ade Ishs presents a world of peace and pleasure. New Butterfly also appeals greatly to traditional jazz and adult contemporary radio station listeners.
The opening track, “Little Butterfly,” gently resonates into a climax of hues and flourishes of brilliance. The song introduces Ade Ishs’s enormous ability to inject passion and tenderness into more than an hour of pure enjoyment. In returning to his roots, Ade’s next song, “Jakarta at Night 3,” presents a mellow jazz piano delight that maintains a flavor of a comforting evening with an Asian flavor. Tracks three and four, “When the Sun Sets 1” and “When the Sun Sets 2,” begin and continue as one grand classical/acoustic jazz composition. Ade’s signature of arranging multiple versions to many of his songs shows of the lavishness of his musical ingenuity. “St. Kilda Waters” is undoubtedly in reference to Ade’s admiration for Australia as the tunes delicately flows and epitomizes his fine approach to his craft.
“Go On 2” is the most heartfelt, emotional track in the set as its alluring composition brings Ade’s New Butterfly to great musical heights. “Go On 2” is like a great classical play filled with sadness, triumph, and hope as Ade manages to bring various emotions into a bright crescendo. Reminiscent of veteran Bob James, “I Saw Happiness” shines as a vibrant solo filled with anticipation and optimism. “Unity in Diversity” provides a brief but upbeat song full of joy. The tune “Moving Ashburton” picks up where “I Saw Happiness” ends as another angelic piece showcasing Ade’s immense aptitude in delivery and energy. The listener can feel the emotional strength and warmth of Ade Ishs in every key. His undeniable profound love for Melbourne, Australia glows brightly in New Butterfly’s closing song, “Melbourne Still Shines”. This track sustains a very peaceful yet radiant flow of Ade’s distinctive piano style.
New Butterfly is a blossoming whirlwind expression of love, emotion, and tranquility. The compilation follows his previous album, Visions, which was another strong set of jazz and conventional tracks. New Butterfly continues in the same path of excellence with full-layered piano solos, and is packed with songs that are destined to be described as Ade Ishs’s best musical production to date. New Butterfly encapsulates many of Ade Ishs’s deep-seated classical piano roots and many of his jazz influences as well. His acoustically rich, profound piano solos offer both new and old fans an insight into his enormous musical talents.
Review by Gary Brown
Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)
