Whether Stephen Peppos (http://www.stephenpeppos.com) named his album after the Alfred Hitchcock classic "Vertigo" is certainly a possibility.
Peppos' music, a stylish melange of light electronica, jazz pop, and New Age, is indeed cinematic. There were times when, listening to these recordings, I wondered if Peppos has aiming them for a film score. "The Blessing" is a lush, sweeping instrumental with wind-swept keyboards. The aptly named "Atmos" weaves a web of enigmatic rhythms, electrified by Peppos' sizzling guitar and spellbinding percussion. Playing it again now, I could imagine "Atmos" in a Hitchcock film if he were still alive today.
Although I claim New Age as among Peppos' obvious influences, do not expect the chilly, canned Muzak always associated with the genre. The soothing textures of Peppos' compositions can be compared to New Age; however, there's nothing soulless about it. In fact, "Forever" and "Summer's End" are as emotionally expressive as the finest pop ballad. The difference is that there are no words but Peppos' sublime piano playing speaks volumes by itself.
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Much of "Vertigo" is actually upbeat. The smooth-jazz number "Lazy Day" begins slowly then gradually kicks up the pace, and for the most part Peppos doesn't become complacent or allow us to led our minds wander.
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