The name Stephan Moccio might not mean anything to most people but, behind the scenes, the Canadian composer has a CV that is second to none when it comes to songwriting. Having written for some of the biggest names in pop from Céline Dion to Dua Lipa, Moccio has been responsible for some of the most recognisable hits in pop including Miley Cyrus megahit “Wrecking Ball”. That being said, ‘Scenes From A Velvet Room’, his latest album as a composer, songwriter and pianist, could not be further from that world if it tried.
Now, having no experience in this world in terms of where or who to position this alongside for comparison, it’s hard for me to really decide whether this is a “good“ album or a “bad” one. In fact, is there such a thing in the circles that Moccio treads when he is not rubbing shoulders with the megastars of this world? That being said, given that the creator of this collection has spent six nights a week at the prestigious Four Season Hotel playing piano, one would lean more towards this being a great example of this kind of work.
In fact, listening to the album, while it is impossible to highlight standout tracks, you can almost feel how perfect this would sound both in the intimate surroundings of a hotel bar, as much as it would in the kind of cavernous halls that composers like Moccio fill out the world over. This is music you feel in your bones. ‘Scenes From A Velvet Room’ doesn’t have the chart-topping hit singles. It isn’t throwaway music disgarded the next time some viral sensation arrives. Compositions like “Melt” and ”Dear Burt” are melancholic, and emotional but gentle and calming at the same time.
Inspired by his experiences from those nights playing piano in a hotel bar, tracks like “Opaline”, one of three tracks where Moccio collaborates with American saxophonist Branford Marsalis, is perfect for a late night bar while another of the pairs collaborations “Like An Old Photograph”, is almost haunting in its delivery.
Considering some of the tracks on this album are already hitting the million+ streams numbers should give you some indication of how highly rated this Canadian composer and pianist is. For me though, I came away from ‘Scenes From A Velvet Room’ not really much the wiser about what makes a good album when it comes to this genre of music, however, if I was to be asked where to start, then they would be swiftly pointed in the direction of this album.
Just don‘t put it on expecting “Wrecking Ball”.
‘Scenes From A Velvet Room’ is available now through Stephan’s Official Website.
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