PETER KATER, Untethered Heart

Considering that Peter Kater is one of the most gifted, insightful and visionary – not to mention prolific - pianist/composers in new age music over the past four-plus decades, it shouldn’t have taken the Recording Academy so many decades, albums and nominations to finally give him his due with Best New Age Album Grammy wins for Dancing on the Water (2018) and Wings (2020). Clearly, after 70+ critically acclaimed recordings, platinum sales long before the streaming era, 100+ TV and film scores and 11 on and off-Broadway dramatic plays, something had to give. And from his outstanding slate of releases just this decade – 10, starting with Hawai’i: A Tribute to Aloha Aina in 2020 – it’s likely that there will be many more magnificent works, and accolades, to follow.

Perhaps the most incredible aspect of this illustrious history is the fact that there’s always so much more to express creatively. “I stay fresh creatively by staying fresh in my life, spending a lot time each day exploring my inner world, somatically, emotionally, physically and spiritually, Kater says, reflecting upon his latest album Untethered Heart. It’s a majestic, alternately reflective and intimate, sweeping and empowering collection driven by the sense of soul liberation that comes from letting go and embracing new chapters in life.

“The key is prioritizing self-care and self-inquiry,” he adds. “I’m extremely curious about my inner world and what makes me feel, perceive and behave the way I do.  And when I keep on top of my inner work, I find myself very curious and excited about my life and what’s next.  Inspiration for me has been a gift that continues to come very naturally and in abundance.  Especially when I keep my ‘channels’ clear.” 

Kater’s decision to follow his muse toward deep personal introspection to unleash the energy of an Untethered Heart is in contrast to one of his recent albums I had the pleasure of reviewing, Soul Story, which drew on his intuitive skills as a melodic and rhythmic storyteller to create musical interpretations of the life stories of other people. For that album, he had his subjects lie under his piano, which inspired him to improvise based on their words and vibes.

This time, from the first stark chords of the adventurous, emotionally exploratory “Freed” through the joyous, whimsical dancing notes nearing the end of “Boundless,” he returns to his trademark flow of musical autobiography, expressing what he’s experiencing in his personal life. The greatness of his music, as always, lies in its ability to be both very personal and intimate yet universal, not only in its compositional appeal but in weaving narratives we can all relate and connect to.

To that end, five of the seven pieces are new compositions he’s written during this period of “letting go” in his life – and two others are extended/enhanced versions of two songs from earlier projects that he felt embodied “an energy of freedom and transformation.” One of the most compelling aspects of the aforementioned “Freed” is how Kater eases from gentle darker toned reflection to gracing the upper reaches of the piano with flurries of notes and chords – almost like he’s setting up the theme of cautiously emerging from darkness towards the eluive but ultimately attainable light.

Building upon its original version on his Wings album, “Flight (Extended)” opens with a gentle, slowly unfolding grace before evolving into a sweeping, classical flavored symphonic marked by Kater’s passionate intensity and frequently playful high-end musings on the keys. Though it comes early in the tracking, its soaring sense of freedom makes it an emotional centerpiece of the album. Kater makes us feel the moments after his unshackling from the past. Following that with “Spellbound,” whose opening sense of meditation gives way to a faster, heavier and more intense touch on the keys, conveys the sense that though he’s breaking free, he’s still working on moving past some of the baggage that comes with enduring memories.

The great storytelling continues on “Spirit (Extended),” a more developed, strings enhanced take on a gem from his early 2000s album Piano infused with intense dynamics contrasting sweet high-end ivory tickling with heavy, emphatic chords, reflecting perhaps the ongoing dark/light battles in the mind, heart and soul even after setting oneself free from the past. Of the three remaining pieces, the dreamy, ethereal title track, featuring the wafting wordless vocal of guest artist Kristin Hoffman, stands out.

Combining her angelic, heartfelt voice with srings, Kater conveys the quiet jubilance of the inner peace that comes after making necessary life changes. Notably, “Untethered Heart” is positioned between the free-flowing solo piano beauty of “Hinterlight” and the exhilarating, often breathtaking finale “Boundless,” showcasing the essential parts of the story where he (and, by extension, us listeners) is past the conflicts and embracing his new chapter, which gives him both inner tranquility and a sense that, with his heart no longer tethered, truly anything is possible.