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Vienna composer, recording artist and producer J.J. Myre is transforming the sounds of Virginia’s parks into a series of calming instrumental albums.
His first release, “Here But Elsewhere,” pairs original piano compositions with bird calls and other natural sounds recorded during walks through Nottoway Park in Oakton.
The 12-track album follows the course of a day through pieces including “7 A.M.,” “Eden,” “Exhale” and “Nodding.” Calls from tufted titmice, song sparrows, blue jays and northern cardinals are woven into the music.
Myre is already working on his next release, planned for June 5. It will feature summer sounds and gull calls recorded in Virginia Beach. He intends to continue visiting communities and parks across Virginia to capture their distinctive natural soundscapes.
Myre began playing piano at age 3 and later pursued a doctorate in music at the University of Louisiana before leaving the program to focus on creating music. He found financial success in jazz, producing more than 1,400 songs that continue to generate royalties.
He also sold a pop composition to Apple TV. The piece was used as background music in the first episode of the streaming series “K-Pop Idols.”
Myre is now concentrating on solo piano instrumentals. He said their simplicity, without multiple instruments or vocals, gives listeners room to attach their own meaning to the music.
Northern Virginia music educator Nicole Kovar, founder and executive director of Piano & More, described the album as simple and soothing, with soft piano, subtle echo and birdsong. She said its sense of stillness makes it suitable for journaling, yoga or unwinding after a long day.