Galileo

Luke Howard’s diverse CV has seen him incorporate strings, synths and electronic effects, as well as dabble in jazzy duets and ambitious ballet scores. Galileo finds the Melbourne composer stripping back to just his primary instrument for a peaceable set of instrumentals inspired by blues piano. These are delicate, intimate compositions, captured with so much closeness that you can sometimes hear the click of individual keys. Howard has dedicated the record to his young son Leo, which also explains the lullaby feel of these pieces. Yet this isn’t strictly music to nod off to: There are fun little flourishes to savour in tracks like “On Walking” and “Curiosity”, with real playfulness peeking through the gentle vibes. There’s also an off-the-cuff, improvised quality to it all that keeps the entire exercise from feeling stuffy or predetermined. It’s as if we’re right there in the room with Howard, spontaneously appreciating his affectionate gestures and quiet versatility.