So tiny, so treasured! Not since Nils Frahm’s Unter/Uber has such a small piano release had such a beguiling effect. Like that release, Jedadiah Bernards’ Two Poems/Piano is a 5″ lathe cut; only 100 copies will be made, so act fast if you want one. The beauty of the small vinyl format is that it forces listeners to concentrate on compact music (which is world’s away from the use of the word in compact disc). When a song is less than two minutes long and one has to stand to flip it over or play it again, the music is held in a higher regard. In contrast, consider how easy it would be for two such pieces (in this case, a total length of 3:36) to escape notice as part of a larger set.
This pair of pieces passes with the impact of poems, and so it is no surprise that they are inspired by poems – specifically, the work of Mary Jo Salter. Recorded in a Portland church, they sparkle with reverence. These are holy notes, pressed with tenderness and awe. The reverberations are exquisite; one can practically picture the high ceilings and wooden posts. “Pale Things” may refer to ivory keys, the whiteness of baptism, purity or translucent vision. “Pahto” is the Native American chief of the gods whose actions created many of the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, including Mt. Saint Helens. But there are no explosions to be found here; listening is like being in the mist at the summit, catching one’s breath in the cold, crisp air. Silence and space are key factors; the impact is not immediate, but cumulative. As the final notes fade, one tilts the head, hoping for just one more.
Two Poems/Piano is another stellar release from the Vintermusik label, whose first offering was Machinefabriek’s 7″ Ontrafelde tonen. A great label starts with a great ear, and it seems to us that Christian Eldefors has both. (Richard Allen)
a closer listen 
Thank you, Richard. I appreciate that you could pick up on so much. The way you described the church was uncanny, here is a photo of it: http://jedadiahbernards.com/post/21037763995.