7/10

As far as solo pianists go, no one seems to be more attractive to the mainstream than Chilly Gonzales. Since the late 90s, the keysman has been a progressive name in the modern classical world, as well as a prolific collaborator, having worked alongside Drake, Daft Punk, Jarvis Cocker and many more over the last two decades. But despite the high-profile releases, Gonzales occasionally likes to take things back to his roots and now completes the trilogy of his minimal piano work on 'Solo Piano III'.

As the title may have given away, this new 15-track collection is simply a release of progressive piano ideas that he has put together as way to inspire and soothe in equal measure. Usually coming in at about 2 minutes each, the collection is less about giving his fans a new perspective, but more a way for him to unveil some fantastic chord progressions that may have been overlooked on previous records. It may not leap out and grab you throughout, but this new record seems to have an incredibly alluring presence, allowing the pianist to fully embrace his instrument and deliver a strong and sometimes daring release at times.

Definitely one for his core fanbase here, but if you are interested in the way in which he has played over the years, then this is certainly a record to check out. There has always been something magical about the way he plays, and now we get to experience without any adding interference.