Biography
During the 1990s, instrumentalist Jim Pietkivitch built a modest audience within the new age scene through albums that consistently avoided formula. While many in the genre prioritize uniform serenity to aid relaxation, he maintained an exploratory approach across tracks even while sustaining an overall tranquil atmosphere. His tastes clearly extend beyond any single category, allowing him to blend European classical passages, jazz phrasing, and world-music textures within the same project. Progressive rock left a noticeable mark as well, particularly through the atmospheric work of Tangerine Dream and Pink Floyd; additional reference points that shaped his sound, whether directly or indirectly, include Steve Roach, George Winston, and Jonn Serrie—distinct from the New York jazz pianist John Serry.
Pietkivitch first engaged with formal training in the 1970s while still a pre-adolescent. He began with oboe at age 11, added acoustic piano in 1978, and took up drums in 1980. Throughout high school he performed in progressive-rock and jazz ensembles and received instruction from jazz drummer Joe Pulice. Over time he shifted his main emphasis to new age, acquiring facility with electronic synthesizers that enabled him to operate as a self-contained ensemble. He retained acoustic instruments nonetheless, incorporating traditional ethnic percussion and idiophones such as Native American drums, the African djembe, and Tibetan bells on his recordings.
His discography opened in 1994 with the self-produced debut Twilight Dreams. Initial distribution remained restricted until the independent Ivory Moon imprint reissued the album in 1995. Two years later Pietkivitch established his own Electrofine Music label, which issued the follow-up Spiral Journey in 1998. In 2004 he released his third album, Inner Worlds, on Electrofine; the recording, which he also produced, includes guest appearances by Melanie Lunsford on flute and vocals.
Pietkivitch first engaged with formal training in the 1970s while still a pre-adolescent. He began with oboe at age 11, added acoustic piano in 1978, and took up drums in 1980. Throughout high school he performed in progressive-rock and jazz ensembles and received instruction from jazz drummer Joe Pulice. Over time he shifted his main emphasis to new age, acquiring facility with electronic synthesizers that enabled him to operate as a self-contained ensemble. He retained acoustic instruments nonetheless, incorporating traditional ethnic percussion and idiophones such as Native American drums, the African djembe, and Tibetan bells on his recordings.
His discography opened in 1994 with the self-produced debut Twilight Dreams. Initial distribution remained restricted until the independent Ivory Moon imprint reissued the album in 1995. Two years later Pietkivitch established his own Electrofine Music label, which issued the follow-up Spiral Journey in 1998. In 2004 he released his third album, Inner Worlds, on Electrofine; the recording, which he also produced, includes guest appearances by Melanie Lunsford on flute and vocals.
Albums
