by MusDContemplations is not about contemplation, but are themselves contemplations. Inspired by the writings of Thomas Merton, especially his "Seeds of Contemplation," Jeff Beal wrote Contemplations after his own self-imposed isolation...The piano improvisations evolve from a simple theme that is explored and expanded upon. Like Merton's writings, where simple and graceful words were used to make a point, Beal uses only the essential elements of music in a jazz medium to create a spiritual motive force...