In 2014 Nat Bartsch performed her final show with her jazz piano trio in Melbourne, intending to mark the end of her career as a pianist/composer.

What followed instead was a slow adaptation of her musical aesthetic, embracing a pianistic style between genres that continues today.

Whilst continuing to use jazz harmony, improvisation and a love of ECM-style reverb, Nat began to compose solo piano pieces, with a stronger emphasis on ostinato and ambient effects. It was the rise of neoclassical piano genre: and her friendship and collaborations with fellow Melbourne pianist Luke Howard helped her find a new aesthetic home. Together, they presented several Piano Day concerts, and curated the Festival of Beautiful Sound at Melbourne Recital Centre, featuring the opening co-written piece, And Until Tomorrow.

Lullaby for Hugo, meanwhile, marked the beginning of Nat’s journey with her lullaby project: both of these pieces were re-recorded for her acclaimed album Forever, and No Time At All the following year.

Hometime is a selection of piano miniatures, some jazz-infused, others more composed and structured.

Also included: an arrangement of Scattered Black and Whites, by Nat’s all time favourite band, Elbow.

Recorded on Nat’s piano at home, with a dear friend, it captures an intimate moment of creative evolution.

1. And Until Tomorrow

2. Scattered Black and Whites

3. Lullaby for Hugo

4. Untrue South

5. Mercy and Silence

6. Bower

7. For Mary

8. Hometime

Nat Bartsch - piano, synth

Recording, electronics and mixing by Luke Howard
Mastered by Lachlan Carrick
Produced by Nat Bartsch and Luke Howard
Artwork by Luci Everett
Photography by Brett Scapin and Luke Howard

Recorded 9th to 11th November 2016 at Nat's house on her Yamaha upright piano

All compositions by Nat Bartsch (Control) except:

And Until Tomorrow – Bartsch/Howard (Control/Secretly Canadian Publishing)

Scattered Black and Whites – Elbow (Garvey/C Potter/M Potter/Jupp/Turner) (Warner/Chappell Music), arranged by Nat Bartsch

Bower – Howard (Secretly Canadian Publishing)

For Mary was originally commissioned by the Solstice Trio and is dedicated to the Baker Family.

In memory of Uncle Bill

CD via natbartsch.com
digitally via IDOL
also on bandcamp