Local pianist brings authentic lounge feel to Lowcountry

About two tracks into "Piano Pieces", the listener begins to feel as if they were sitting in the lounge of an upscale hotel sipping a Manhattan. You know the scene — dim lights, the murmur of conversation, a piano equipped with a brandy sniffer to catch the generous tips from patrons. But above all, there's the music that drifts out of that piano. The music is tranquil, pleasant with just the right amount of familar covers to keep you listening as you enjoy your evening.

Mark Rosenberg is probably familar with that whole scene, since he can be found playing piano at the Charleston Place Hotel most evenings. The pianist, who originally hails from New York, has been lucky enough to make a living writing jingles and music for soundtracks. For his debut recording, Rosenberg decided on a mix of original compositions and a few well-worn favorites played in a New Age/jazz style. The music on "Piano Pieces" is expertly performed, as well as meticulously recorded. Even the packaging gives one the idea that quite a bit of thought went into the projects. Standout selections include: "Mott Street" and "Camilla" as well as covers of Gershwin's "Our Love is Here to Stay" and Jarre's "Lara's Theme from Dr. Zhivago." Particularly lovely is "Lullaby for Max" which is written for Rosenberg's son, to whom the CD is also dedicated. "Piano Pieces" is classy stuff from a native New Yorker, who will hopefully chose to grace Charleston with his talents for the forseeable future.