Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my isolated piano track for A Shade of Blue—a minimalist Jazz-Blues ballad built around sparse, subtle phrasing, and a late-night, introspective feel. I recently recorded this song for Chris Missen's upcoming album, set to drop in 2025.

Every chord voicing was carefully chosen to create that mood—balancing warmth, tension, and openness—while letting the silences say as much as the notes.

Note: The piano doesn't play through the entire song. It enters at Verse 2. To keep things concise, I’ve edited out the sections where the piano isn’t playing.

I wanted to share this because I always find it fascinating to hear piano parts on their own— it gives you a deeper appreciation of the piano’s role in a song’s overall arrangement. It’s also a great way to highlight the detail that goes into recording that can often be obscured by other instruments in the final mix.

If you're an aspiring piano player, you might find it useful to listen to how certain choices—like voicings, rhythm, embellishments, licks, or dynamics—support and shape the song.

I always find it fascinating to hear piano parts on their own—there’s something so raw and revealing about it. Once the full track is released, you’ll be able to compare this version to the final mix and hear how it all came together. (I'll include a link when it becomes available.)

Studying isolated piano tracks by the pros was an invaluable part of my musical development. If you’re learning how to shape mood and expression through subtle phrasing, spacious voicings, and careful dynamic choices—or just want to hear how restraint can create impact in a real session track—I hope this offers some inspiration.

Music & lyrics by Chris Missen

Piano part by composed and performed by Lisha Kayrooz

🎧 More isolated piano tracks coming soon—each one offering a glimpse into the small choices that help shape a song’s feel and atmosphere.