Karate Body Records is pleased to announce the Sept. 22, 2009 release of “Book of Leaves,” a solo piano album by Rachel Grimes.

Formats include 12 inch vinyl, digital and CD.

Limited special edition vinyl set (100 copies) includes handprinted sheet music score.

From a winding path of diverse musical ventures, Book of Leaves has slowly, quietly come to the surface. The first solo piano release by Kentucky composer and pianist Rachel Grimes, this new project comes after many years composing and recording with the indie chamber band, Rachel’s, and alongside current work with Louisville-based King’s Daughters & Sons. The album is a collection of impressionist chapters woven together with chordal themes and field recordings inspired by interactions with the outdoors.

As a performer, she has had thrilling experiences across the US, Europe and Korea, including being an opener in 2008 for the Swell Season, and appearing with Rachel’s in WNYC’s New Sounds Live and with SITI Co. in the collaborative theater production systems/layers. She has been a guest on albums by the Frames, Sonora Pine, Tara Jane O’Neil, Shannon Wright, Shipping News, Dianogah, Andy McLeroy, and Big Eyes Family Players.

Engineer Steve Albini characterized Rachel’s records as “..part movie, part sound sculpture, part lush romantic porch song…” (venuszine.com).

“Marvel at the balance of restraint and emotive force at work, and … let the piano lines circle as cello and viola melodies lead the way.” (New Music Express 2/10/96)

“Rachel Grimes’ piano is peerlessly beautiful as this chamber music big-band seems to glide as its bow breaks through crashing waves without ever breaking its beautiful gait..” (A. Carew, neumu)