Canadian pianist and rapper Chilly Gonzales’ career has gone from strength to strength in the last few years. Since the release of his instrumental album, Solo Piano, Gonzales has collaborated with Feist and Peaches, performed with Drake, and released the electro-rap albums Ivory Tower and The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales.
His latest record comes in similar form to Solo Piano—and is inventively named Solo Piano II. Despite the lack of nominal originality, there’s nothing stale about the music Gonzales creates. His playful instrumental style, famously featured on the Apple iPad adverts, is immediately apparent. The album opens with “White Keys,” a short and bright song which includes no sharp notes. This segues into the beautiful “Kenaston,” one of the many tracks which, despite being undeniably original, feel comfortably familiar. Highlights include “Nero’s Nocturne,” which rolls along in a steady rhythm, and the memorable “Othello.”
Gonzales recorded the album over 10 days in Paris’ Studio Pigalle, and the French influence is notable (Gonzales himself speaks the language fluently and has lived in Paris). At a recent performance in his hometown of Montreal, Gonzales explained the fancy naming of some of the songs.
“It might be pretentious to have songs named ‘Rideaux Lunaires’ on the album,” said the artist. “But let’s face it, ‘Moon Curtains’ just wouldn’t have worked.”
The music is less egotistical than its composer—the transitions on “Train of Thought” are clever, and the “Minor Fantasy” is particularly dark. Solo Piano II does not push any musical boundaries, but this need not be a criticism. Gonzales’ verve and charismatic style will undoubtedly keep attracting large crowds.