Still Gazing at the Moon

John Mills: "My latest work Still Gazing at the Moon, is compositionally more detailed and textured than past works. It is definitely more of an emotional journey ... I've had the pleasure to work with some amazing musicians on this project who have added their beautiful playing: Helen Mountfort on cello; David Hewitt on vibes; Lisa Harbor on violin and viola ... I can't thank enough the enormous assistance and support from Adrian Hannan at The Songstore who has always understood what I've been about, and has enabled my compositions to speak."

John Mills is an Australian composer working and recording in Melbourne. He grew up in a musical household that nurtured his love for the guitar, and by his early twenties was a keenly sought-after performer and teacher. John began composing music in the early 1990s and was invited to record with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

This album opens with the bare essentials of Wish followed by the melancholy of Left Counting the Stars that include light string embellishments. In utter contrast, there is the optimistic and invigorating Joy with a most memorable melody that will leave a smile on your face and your worries and cares at the door. By this time Mills has you hooked and gently introduces a drop of saxophone to the title, which is a new texture and tone for this mild but inspiring artist. There is also the more percussion-driven Into the Blue but once again Mills keeps the pastoral and passionate pulse perfectly balanced.