Good Days at Schloss Elmau ACT * * * *

Despite the title, this dazzling example of solo piano was made in one day at ACT's favourite recording location. Thanks to his classical training, British wunderkind Simcock has so much to call on in terms of technique and the sheer extent of his harmonic resources that they can take him anywhere he wants to go. The results range from the motivic development and rhythmic exuberance of These Are the Good Days, the modulatory colours of Mezzotintand the relatively funky flourishes of Gripperto the melodic elegance of Plain Song, all carried off with impressive spontaneity and intelligence. But it's all occasionally overwhelming, the abundance sometimes swamping the music's breathing space. The more ruminative Elmau Tageand, above all, a lovely Can We Still Be Friends?gain from a paring down of his great gifts, rather than the full monty. See actmusic.com

RAY COMISKEY