Allan Holdsworth - Sphere OF Innocence - Steve Hunt solo piano
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- SPHERE OF INNOCENCE - One of the many beautiful songs Allan Holdsworth composed.
It's a seemingly simple sounding song starting off with a very basic diatonic structure. However, as you delve into the harmonic journey of this gem from start to finish you quickly realize what a complex and complicated composition this is on many levels. The twist and turns of the melody and harmonic resolutions that bring you back to something you think you remember but in actuality it is a half step away or a 4th away or a minor 3rd down from the first time you hear it. This song displays the beautiful side of Allan's artistry as a composer and yet at the same time we get to experience the darker and mysterious struggles of his own life within the music. His music is heavenly and uplifting and gorgeous but has a foundation of something that seems to be always searching for the truth and the right path in life. Just when you believe you have found the answer you get tugged in a different direction. I would say akin to that of Beethoven or Chopin compositions. There's something in the works that still gives us hope through the pain and struggles of life.
Enjoy the beauty and genius of Allan Holdsworth
-Steve Hunt
Is there any chance you'd do an album of Allan's songs in this way Steve? It'd be absolutely amazing to hear your solo interpretations of his music.
Hey Brett, good to see you here. I believe I have said the same thing to Steve a few thousand times :)
Bump! I would love that too
It's crazy to think how can you fall in love with someone you don't know. I was so lucky to have met Allan a few time when he was in Boston from 1982 to the last time I saw him around 2010. The guy was always so kind to talk to me and his music always moved me. The piece was so beautifully done Steve and while you knew him like a brother we all loved him for what he brought to all of us
Well put, my friend.
@@michaelb.42112 The truth is louder in notes then words. Listen to those notes hard to speak when your jaw is wide open
I met him once in Denton Tx at a show at Dans Bar. Magical experience meeting the master Allan the great!!!!!
Like many fans I’ve returned many times to hear Steve’s beautiful playing of this tune. Hearing Allan’s music played on other instruments such as on solo piano here, the influence of Debussy, Bartok and other classical composers shines through. Allan was a visionary and revolutionary artist. And not just a phenomenal guitarist, but a unique composer, sound designer, tinkerer in electronics and maybe most importantly, he stayed true to his own vision with unyielding determination and fidelity. That’s his most important lesson to all of us. Find yourself.
I was fortunate enough to hear Allan and band play live many times from the mid 80s through late 90s and I always left the show slack jawed in disbelief with what I had just experienced. Those of us who have been long time fans have been witness to something akin to seeing a super nova with our own eyes. Also, I don’t believe enough has been said about the players Allan entrusted to play his music. He saw something unique in Steve H., Gary H. , Chad W., Jimmy J., Jeff B., Jimmy H. , Alan P., Gary N. , Dave Like many fans I’ve returned many times to hear Steve’s beautiful playing of this tune. Hearing Allan’s music played on other instruments such as on solo piano here, the influence of Debussy, Bartok and other classical composers shines through. Allan was a visionary and revolutionary artist. And not just a phenomenal guitarist, but a unique composer, sound designer, tinkerer in electronics and maybe most importantly, he stayed true to his own vision with unyielding determination and fidelity. That’s his most important lesson to all of us. Find yourself.
I was fortunate enough to hear Allan and band play live many times from the mid 80s through late 90s and I always left the show slack jawed in disbelief with what I had just experienced. Those of us who have been long time fans have been witness to something akin to seeing a super nova with our own eyes. Also, I don’t believe enough has been said about the players Allan entrusted to play his music. He saw something unique in Steve H., Gary H. , Chad W., Jimmy J., Jeff B., Jimmy H. , Alan P., Gary N. , Dave C. , Virgil D., Ernest T. and whoever else he chose. I’ve had a long held dream to hear an album’s worth of Allan’s tunes given orchestral treatment with a full orchestra. I know there are a few who have done orchestrations of his tunes done with VST orchestral plugins. That’s great but I’d say but Allan’s music deserves the real deal. C. , Virgil D., Ernest T. and whoever else he chose. I’ve had a long held dream to hear an album’s worth of Allan’s tunes given orchestral treatment with a full orchestra. I know there are a few who have done orchestrations of his tunes done with VST orchestral plugins. That’s great but I’d say but Allan’s music deserves the real deal.
Doesn't matter what style or tune. You always sound killer!
Thanks Bill. Very kind! 😊
Low levels high stakes -- I will never forget this track from "Hard hat area", essentially your piano solo there, this was absolutely beautiful, thank you!
That tune makes me cry or, at least sob when Allan's solo comes in. It's a complete trip complemented with Steve's piano and Skulli's bass soli.
It's only when more renditions of Allan music on piano and other arrangements come out that we will see the true magnitude of his ingeniousity
Yes, I agree as well!!
Mamma mia....i come here everytime I need pure beauty.
me too
So deeply moving, again and again.
Thank you Steve. Wonderful playing and tribute. It’s even more astounding hearing one of Allan’s compositions played on solo piano. The harmonic content is just…umm…I’m not sure what words describe it….lol…I was lucky enough to see you guys in Sydney Australia - in May 1990 (at a pub/hotel venue!. I took the day off work. I hung at the pub in the afternoon, saw Jimmy Johnson walking the street. He was kind enough to get me into your sound-check. But the venue owner kicked me out after a while lol…Saw you again in 1994 at ‘The Basement’. Thank you and the band for the wonderful memories! 🙏 😊
Thank you for the lovely kind words and thoughts. Almost 10 years of a magical life for me. Can never forget that. 🙏
Beautifully Played Steve.
Touching Tribute To The Man Who
Changed Guitar Forever.
R.I.P. Allen.
Thank you maestro Steve Hunt! Your words are so true about Allan's (and Beethoven's, and Chopin's) music. I love that you have put him in this company: I agree he is one of the truest music geniuses of this century with all his harmonic adventures. The other day I listened (really listened) to this track from Wardenclyffe CD on my home stereo and wept at the sheer beauty of it. And I love how you have transmitted it here into other new dimensions and colors. You have added more beauty and hope to this world. ❤
Thank You Oen. Very kind of you!!
Ethereal, crystalline, dynamic and moving. Thank you Steve for this amazing musical journey that captures to compositional genius and beauty of Allan Holdsworth. This is my classical music.
Thank You kindly!
A lot has been said about Allan’s blistering solo’s but this here is why I liked him. Phenomenal harmonies. There is an otherworldlyness to the original tunes. Transitioning it to the piano sounds way more normal. And I don’t mean worse or better. I think that hearing the clusters and wide intervals are way more normal on piano.
Steve your understanding of Alan's harmonic universe that he created and your beautiful piano interpretation of this composition is simply superb.Alsn will be listening to this with a huge smile on his face,thsnks❤
❤thank you 🙏
I learned so much studying this composition. Just mind blowing to revisit it after so many years.
Beautiful. Allan's harmonies translate to the piano so well. Saw you many times with Allan Steve. Lovely arrangement.
Thank You!! very kind!
stunning - a soundtrack for a goddess
Wow. I think Holdsworth would have liked this version if he is still alive to hear it.
I am floored! Sublime. I was lucky to see Allan 3 times. Twice with you aboard, I was so blessed l got to have Dinner with the band in 92, Allan had just played the variety playhouse in Atl Ga. I will never forget that night, You were so kind and nice to me Along the whole band, Chad, Skuli,Allan. If this was not enough Allan insisted on paying for my Dinner and drinks! Steve what you played here was straight from the heart with passion and reverence, lt brought me to Tears. I will never forget meeting you and Allan and the band. The greatest Musician of our time, And those he chose are the Worlds Finest! That’s you Buddy. Your a World class musician and composer .My heart is so full . As Allan would say Carry On! Your friend in Music.
Thank you Winston! Very very kind! Great memories, all those tours we did. So many amazing people we all got to meet like yourself along the way!
Great respect for your collaborations with Holdsworth. As a guitar player, your work with Allan cemented you as one of my favorite keyboard players of the modern era.
This rendition really adds to the song. Fantastic.
Thank You!! Very very kind of you!!
Steve's tone and harmonic textures...and his phrasing...sublime musician.
Beautiful deep words and tune into Allan's soul, Steve. Thank you 🙏
Bravo pour cet arrangement pianistique d’une composition d’Allan Holdsworth : c’est bien qu’un pianiste puisse adapter les concepts harmoniques de ce musicien unique au piano !
I just melted.
The tears were plentiful, especially at the end.
I love you both.
First Goosebumps - then Tears ! My GOD its beautiful......Allan would have been proud.... Im proud to call you my friend......!
Steve, thanks so much for the beautiful music and description it really really touched me
Magnificent interpretation of a song we all love from your time with Allan. Such beauty from that amazing instrument under your fingers - from your mind, your heart & soul. Thank you, Steve.
The deception at 1:48 is ridiculously beautiful
One of my favorites from Holdsworth, and Hunt who plays on the original lays this solo beautiful. My favorite ballad by Allan. Thank you!
I've been listening to Allan Holdsworth since I was 15 .. although I play guitar I have always wanted to hear his compositions played on the piano. thank you for making my wish come true in the most amazing way possible. Thank you
Gorgeous!
this is pure beauty
So beautiful. Incomparable, Steve Hunt's interpretation of this piece. Hits the feels more with every passing year. RIP Holdsworth. I saw them play together live and it was breathtaking.
❤in the memories of Allen whom I heard at least 3 times live ! very nice version !
Just beautiful Steve. There will never be another like Allan, a hundred years from now new musicians will be listening to his music in amazement.
This is so hauntingly beautiful, Steve. I met you many times in the 90's when you, Allan, Skuli, and Chad visited the Bay Area on tour. - Mike
You need to record an album of his works. Too beautiful for words.
Absolutely incredible. You are definitely one of my all-time favorite musicians, Steve. Thanks for sharing this. I wish that I had 1/32 of your talent.
Thank you very much. That's very kind of you and I appreciate that.
@@stevehunt1436 Hello, Steve. Just figured I'd stop by to ask you a quick question, if you don't mind me asking...
During the recording of the _Hard Hat Area_ album, do you recall whether Allan's solo on "Low Levels, High Stakes" was one single take or not? Also, did Allan ever stitch together his studio solos ("cut and paste" together all of the best phrases from multiple takes into one)? I just figured I would reach out and ask since I have been pondering this for some time now.
Thanks for all of the incredible music.
@@lex.cordis Thank You! Only basic tracks were recorded at the studio. I did my solo on House of Mirrors and the solo on Low Levels the next day at the studio. The rest I did at my house here and sent them to Allan. So , He did his solo at his studio over the next year after those basic tracks were recorded. I don't really know his method. I think he told me once that he would start on a track and record a solo until a point he didn't like what he played, then he would start on a new track and pick up where he left off. I don't think he had the tech equipment and computer knowledge to edit like we do today. That was all pretty new back then.
@@stevehunt1436 *"I don't think he had the tech equipment and computer knowledge to edit like we do today."*
Yeah, I wouldn't imagine he would do this even if he did have the ability at the time. Doesn't seem like it would be quite his tact (although, what do I know). That solo is just so profoundly insane to me, that it's still hard to imagine that it was done in one take hahaha.
Thanks so much for getting back to me, Steve. Many blessings.
Indeed!
So hauntingly beautiful! I tried to play this tune on the piano several years ago, adapting it from a guitar chord lead sheet, and those subtle but constantly shifting scales and voicings confused me dearly. Allan's compositions are like looking at a Copernican system... a fluid globe, in permanent flux...
That is beautiful Steve. I heard your great keyboard work with Allan in 1987 at the Montmartre Jazz club in Copenhagen. Cheers
Damn, I lived in Copenhagen at that time, and often went to Montmartre. Never knew Holdsworth played there.
Thank you Steve! Allan was so inspiring to me.
That just dropped my jaw. My gosh!
While listening to this, so many Allan's pictures passes by in my mind. Such a huge legacy, such a passion towards music, and above all towards his own values: what a brave life is to employ yourself into that thing you believe the most. Regardless it pays you off with cash, it pays you off with respect and admiration. Allan Holdsworth is in the book of the greatests of all time.
Further proof that Holdsworth was the Debussy of the guitar.
Man ! Pure Beauty Txs Steve Hunt 🙏
Thanks Steve for playing this. Amazing composition indeed !
...wordless adoration....
Gorgeous - deeply moving. I love these Holdsworth interpretations on piano.
FANTASTIC Dr.Hunt!!!!
This is beautiful! Could you record a version of the song 'Joshua' ? Haven't found a live performance of that song anywhere
😜👍❤️. pretty big ears.
Beautiful!
I we'll never forget when I saw Alan years and years ago... Tribal Tech if I remember right. Have not heard any guitar like that since.
Really 👍
Astounding interpretation! Those chords take one directly to a different level of consciousness, Just beautiful
Wow, did that translate to the piano beautifully.
Fantastic arrangement/transcription, Steve.
Lovely solo and chords and damn, those pictures of Allan sucker punched me.
To me, the world is wobbling a little on its axis with the loss of Allan and Chick.
this tune is a journey in itself
My favorite Allan composition. The way he is able to lead the harmony from familiarity into these new zones and when he chooses to do it is masterful. It reminds me of riding a bike without training wheels; being nervous but knowing my folks were behind me watching, and knowing that eventually I would be on my own but feeling protected in the moment.
Love this tune with all my heart
Man, that was so awesome. I still got goosebumps. What a special person Alan was he will always hold a place in my heart.❤🎸🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Unbelievably beautiful piano playing, all the most beautiful chords one can play on a piano, thank you for this music moment and the inspiration, Mr Hunt.
🙏Thank You!
Thank you Steve. You were made for each other. Great musicians.
Uno dei piú bei pezzi per piano solo che abbia mai ascoltato.... 👏👏👏
Bravo!! So peaceful and surreal. Allan left us a legacy of virtue that will last for centuries. Thank you Steve for your reverence and reflection. This performance belongs side long with the masters. Bravo!
Steve, you are a legend
Love your playing uncle Steve - Jonathan
Moves me deeply every time I hear it. Thanks
Piano version of Joshua too? That will also stop us all in our tracks.
This is phenomenal, you're a masterful player
My favorite piano/key player, love you Steve since Joshua
Just a heartbeat away! Pure Poetry! Steve beautifully keeps Allan's musical mood.
Nice, Steve well done. Wardenclyffe is still a top favorite of mine you guys did. Timeless. This is the gourmet dinner version, I love it, Steve.
Thanks for this,
Eric
Amazing how beautiful a Holdsworth tune can be on the piano! I was very impressed by your work on the keys when you were out there with Holdsworth but even more so with your playing on the piano. Thank you for sharing this.
amazing, love this version ♥
Thank You kindly Omar!!
Extraordinarily beautiful, both the composition itself and your superb interpretation. 🙏🏻❤️🎼
That was a wonderful tribute to Allan. Allan was very lucky to have you in his band. You were the perfect compliment to his playing. I hope that if you can find the time, to do an entire album of Allan's music just like this...
Thank you very much Steve.. I think Allan would love it.
R.I.P. Allan. Your music will live on forever.
Thanks Steve, for this precious insight in going some way to explaining the genius that is Allan Holdsworth! More!
What a Sublime gift to us all. I need this everyday. God bless you Steve
2:30 is so warm and colorful
Hauntingly beautiful. Such a nice version of one of the Holdsworth compositions closest to my heart. You did it justice
Beautiful!!!🙏🤘❤️
sounds wonderful
Lord God! I've never heard anything other than the original studio version. But now it hit me. Wonderful! Thank you,
Simply beautiful
Such a beautiful interpretation.
Exceptional performance of an obviously brilliant composition. Thanks Steve. You did him great justice.
Allan wore his heart, on his, long-sleeve style, even more than usual, and your solo version might have even brought a tear to the maestro himself. It surely did just that for me. So much harmonic power…..SMH with love.
Absolutely wonderful interpretation! ❤
Captivating
Of course I know Sphere Of Innocence since the 1992 from WARDENCLYFFE TOWER....But that version just on piano is one of the most beautiful pieces I ever heard in my life. I could feel how deep is this immersion. So deep ocean.... I can't explain....I just feel. This is fantastic. Thank you Steve Hunt.
Thank You. Very kind. Allan was a special person and an incredible musician and composer. And it was an honor to be able to spend some time learning from him. I'm still learning from the master !
Beautifulest
Wow...this is so beautiful! You are an amazing pianist! I never met Allan Holdsworth, but i miss him and his amazing music! :(. R.I.P Allan Holdsworth!
Fantastic ❤
Wonderful . I am so happy to have witnessed you playing with Allan in 89. The most incredible band I ever saw...with Jimmy and Gary.
Carrying the torch in the most beautiful way.
what a beautiful tribute Steve. I love the photo's at the end too.
Thank You!
Beautiful Steve, I can deeply feel how much you miss your friend... thank you for that.
Dayum
Bravo!!
Thank you. ++++++++
Stunning piece and performance Steve. Thanks so much.
Timeless beauty, Alan H at his best,great piano rendition 🧡
A moving, beautiful, inspiring interpretation... This has always been one of my favourites. I'll wipe my tears off and think about the time I've seen you and Allan playing in a small club in Rome, 1992. ❤
Beautiful
great version, thank you Steve. thank you Allan. Beautifull piece.
This is really emotional to listen to - the beauty juxtaposed with Allan's inner struggles. Your treatment pushes it over the top.
Nice rendition. Still listen to Allan Holdsworth's tunes from time to time. All the best!