John Fluker is a talented blend of vocalist, musician, composer, songwriter, producer, arranger, and teacher. He is active both on stage and in the studio. Starting out with the effervescent experiences of a Gospel choir, Fluker has performed with legends like Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah and Sinbad. He has been on numerous television shows and spends much of his time teaching and training new artists on how to find their own style. Star Eyes is Fluker’s 2011 instrumental release.
From the first note, this album captured my attention. The love of music pours from Fluker’s fingertips with every caress of the piano keyboard. If you want an album to make you relax after a hard day at work, this is it.
“Anytime” begins with a crisp, intent melody that riveted me to my chair, eyes closed. If flowing water had musical notes, Fluker has captured them here. The song flows around you like a calming river of sound, sloshing sway any aggravations you have had during the day. This music is Zen for the soul. The repeated melody is lovely in its simplicity and when combined with some of the more complex compositional elements and amazing piano sound, the track really comes to life in a big way. Piano and an ambient sound hover around you and carry you into bliss.
“After the Fall” flutters into being like a butterfly skittering down your arm. Fluker’s piano is at once light and masterful. The harmonies he creates are full of complex elements, but not so much that you lose focus on what he is trying to show you. This track is pensive and leaves you floating on air. Close your eyes and see with your inner ear. The highs and lows of the piece take you into yourself. The piano creates a liquid sound that flows from his fingertips like a spell on seven notes of music. Simply brilliant.
“A Long Way Home” sparkles, pure and simple. The delicate touch of the piano leads you where Fluker guides you, no questions asked. It is a long walk home down a country road, letting the sun shine on your face and a breeze ruffling your hair. The piano tickles across your senses like a dandelion floating on the wind. The harmonies Fluker has created here are enough to bring a tear to your eye. It is that beautiful.
John Fluker is the uber talented winner of the 2006 Life Style Award for Best New Artist. He is an accomplished musician, often seen on television (Soul Train Awards, Star Search) and his work as a vocal coach (Jennifer Lopez, Devon Aoki) has guided many artists to find their own strengths. In Star Eyes, Fluker has created an instrumental masterpiece. His handling of ambient sound with strong piano at the focus is a gift to the senses. Listening to this album helped me to concentrate on work I was doing and had a calming effect after a typically haranguing day at work. Over the last few days, I have played it repeatedly and honestly can’t get enough of it. If music is the window to the soul, Fluker has to be an angel.
Key Tracks- A Long Way Home, Anytime, After the Fall
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
September 26, 2011