Palatine's Julie Chapman releases album, 'Homage to the Northwoods'

Julie Chapman of Palatine, Illinois has recently released her album of original piano solos, "Homage to the Northwoods."

Available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon and other major music streaming platforms, her album can also be purchased on CD and vinyl. With poignant melodies enhanced by her treatment of color chords, Julie's compositions are considered neoclassical in style. Professionally recorded in her home on her Hamburg Steinway Grand, the quality of the mastered tracks is exquisite and will not disappoint even the most discerning listener.

Julie began taking piano lessons when she was four years old. Her natural ability, musicality and passion for the instrument was discovered in these early years, as she was preparing for what would become a life-long career. Julie's advanced classical piano studies were completed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she received her degree in music. While there, she was taught by two highly-regarded piano instructors, Ian Hobson and Kenneth Drake. Julie was uniquely influenced by the repertoire of Chopin, Ravel, and Debussy. Informed by these masters, Julie began composing piano solos of her own- an echo which is heard throughout this current work.

The music written for "Homage to the Northwoods" was inspired by Julie's interaction, respect, and response to nature while at her lake home in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She is especially committed to the common loon - with a glimpse of their day captured in her composition, "Gavia Immer." While their beauty and behavior are remarkable, it is their four distinct calls that have captivated Julie. Recently she was invited to serve on the board for the Michigan DNR's Michigan Loon Preservation Association (MLPA.)

Of her several solo piano albums, "Homage to the Northwoods" perhaps best exemplifies her refined pianistic skills and matured sensibilities as a composer. What was once a nascent promise has come to full fruition. Julie's evocative musical gift is evident on this album, and it is her sincere wish that through each song you, too, will experience the wonders of the Northwoods.

Please visit www.juliechapmanmusic.com for more information.