“Music is also an opportunity to take listeners on a guided journey over a period of time. In the same way that an author can transport a reader to a specific place in their mind, so too can music transport listeners.” ~ Rob McAllister / Music Within
A classically trained pianist with a curiosity and passion for learning new instruments
“I want to encourage everyone to slow down and take some time away from the relentless pace of the world around us.”
Rob McAllister is known as a classically trained pianist with a curiosity and passion for learning new instruments and exploring new sounds, as well as developing his project Music Within, an emotive journey meant to provide a sense of calm and ease. On this latest album, the music draws from influences like Max Richter, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Chilly Gonzales, and Joep Beving. McAllister has a gift for communication, bringing forth the music that resounds inside of him, the mood for this album of solo and accompanied piano is illuminating and calming, he presents two versions of several tracks, the first is an international collaboration with the Dutch cellist, Ardie Son, who contributes his astonishing Neo-Classical cello. The second version is a solo piano. The sound of the Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist McAllister has been described as “Oasis music; a deep refuge from the chaos of modernity.”
In his own words, “Music is another form of communication and self-expression. It transcends borders and boundaries. Give two people from completely different parts of the world the opportunity and they will be able to make music together without speaking each other’s language or knowing anything about each other. It’s an amazing thing! Music is also an opportunity to take listeners on a guided journey over a period of time. In the same way that an author can transport a reader to a specific place in their mind, so too can music transport listeners. And it can do so without language, which means that music doesn’t have the specificity of language. It is more open-ended and a more personal experience. Basically, music is the best.”
The first track is “Interwoven” (3:34) bringing together Rob and cellist Ardie Son, and in my opinion, the combination is perfect. I appreciate how the instruments knit and entwine. The second track, solo piano, “Eons” (4:17) is answering the call, flowing through extended times and places, and tying together the farthest elements. Ardie Son again joins Rob “On a River of Crystal Light” (2:38), in my mind’s eye the crystal light reflects the strings and with the piano making up the world, the intricate dialog floats and rhymes.
“Sandstone” (3:38) presents a question inscribed, an answer travels. Time always holds. “Refuge” (3:46) evokes a secure place, a patient host, and the traveler, arriving hopeful. Expressing elements of the oldest themes, survival and exploration, “And Still the Earth Spins” (3:08), featuring the expressive performance of Dutch cellist Ardie Son. With these strings and memories I feel lost and abandoned, yet there is the earth.
“Crystaline” (3:33) makes me think of old sunshine, the familiar order, repeating nearly symmetrically, creating a solid form. The final three tracks are all piano alone. For the title track, “Interwoven (solo piano)” (3:42), alone both parts come together, the thoughts fit perfectly and the melody remains solid. “On a River of Crystal Light (solo piano)” (2:52), the light always flickers from the surface of the water, the path is clear in the starlight, and the end is hidden. “And Still the Earth Spins (solo piano)” (3:08) looks inward and takes some time away from the relentless pace of the world around us as you listen.
“True, deep listening is a form of meditation. And it’s definitely my favorite form of meditation. Focusing only on what you’re hearing and staying right there with the music as it develops, it’s a special experience. For someone who spends their days creating music, listening has become something that is synonymous with living.”
Music Within is the ambient cinematic / modern classical project of Toronto based composer and multi-instrumentalist McAllister. His music has been widely used in film, TV and advertising, for clients such as Lexus, Holt Renfrew, IKEA, and Disney. He also scores music for film, most recently co-scoring the documentary film Town of Widows. Other projects include Atomic Sun (dark cinematic), Whispering Landscapes (nature recordings), and Centuries of Decay (progressive, extreme metal band).
McAllister’s music has been featured in advertisements for IKEA, Lexus, Rocky Mountaineer, Holt Renfrew, Huggies, and Power Athletics to name a few. He has written theme songs for television shows, including APTN’s Wild Archaeology, Global’s Decision Canada (Canadian election coverage), A User’s Guide To Cheating Death, and Last Stop Garage. He has provided additional music scoring for Global’s 16×9, and the documentary films Fanomenon and The Drop: Why Young People Don’t Vote. He co-scored the full-length documentary entitled Sister Elizabeth: The Strength Of Faith. Most recently, he co-scored the documentary film Town of Widows, which aired on the CBC.
This is the official music video for “Interwoven,” (released October 14th, 2022), exploring the juxtaposition of the urban and natural worlds, moving from macro to expansive shots.
Next? “Now that Interwoven is released and out there in the world I’m working hard to get it in front of as many people as possible. I’m currently preparing for a few piano performances in the Toronto area to showcase the music. Outside of Music Within, I actually have a number of things on my plate right now. I’m beginning the process of scoring 2 short films — (unrelated to one another). And I’m in the middle of recording the 2nd full-length album with my band, Centuries of Decay. I have a lot of rather technical guitar material to chew through right after I finish writing this. Exciting times!“
Interwoven is available on Bandcamp. [Site]
