Eight Escapes for Piano offers the more advanced pianist an exciting range of contemporary character pieces to add to their repertoire, weaving together the musical languages of jazz, classical and folk. Urban themes in Lifts, Escalators & Extreme Travelators and Café Graffiti contrast strongly with rural flavours in Hinterland and Wynding Down. Rondeau provides a contemporary take on the form and Pied Piper adds a Scottish twist to the old tale. With sufficient technical challenge to engage the grade 5–7 
(and 8) player, pianists are guaranteed a unique musical journey full of colour and adventure.

Contents

1. Lifts, Escalators & Extreme Travelators
The vertical vernacular of a fast-moving, dynamic Hong Kong.
This piece was written during an extended period living and working in the city.

2. Hinterland
Evoking a sense of open space and shifting horizons.

3. Pied Piper

A Scottish twist to the tale of Hamelin’s exiting vermin.

4. Campsie Falls
The tranquil stepped waterfalls in the Campsie Glen, just north of Glasgow.

5. Café Graffiti
Sited in the crypt of a former church, Café Graffiti was a busy Edinburgh cabaret and music venue which hosted many soul-jazz-funk gigs in the 90’s.

6. Wynding Down
The title has two meanings, a fictitious location alluding to the Kent Downs near Wye, and secondly, the overall character and trajectory of the music.

7. Rondeau
A dance that attempts to marry a sense of chamber music with contemporary jazz, and a wry hint of folklore.

8. Patience
An atmospheric piece and a useful attribute for any musician.