"Alone but Together" starts off reminiscent of something from a video game soundtrack but shortly dives into jazz. While it's Kim's single, and her superb flute skills are given ample display, Hwang's piano playing is also sharing in the spotlight. The two instruments dance around each other, while giving each time to be the center of attention. This selfless approach extends in minor ways to the bass and drums as well. The musicianship is on point all around and does the piece justice.

The "Alone but Together" idea works well in a jazz setting. All of the instruments are, in a sense, doing their own thing, but their overall efforts work together to make a cohesive song. The hope that Kim felt on that bus ride is certainly present in the flow of the piece. Although it starts off quietly and simply, like one alone and thoughtful, it swells into a joyous dance that feels like Kim is flying beyond the bounds of fragile human existence to a heavenly place. The challenge of instrumental music is conveying a thought or feeling without words, and Kim hits the feeling perfectly.

Just as the piece started coming into being during a long bus journey, "Alone but Together" could be a great song to play while on a stressful commute to work. Or it can be played around the house when a feeling of peace is needed. Regardless of the setting, Hanna Kim's latest single can give a stressed-out soul some much needed comfort and hope. Those new to Kim's compositions will be encouraged and intrigued and will likely be on the lookout for more of her music.

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 Record Label: None
 Album length: 1 track: 6 minutes, 30 seconds
 Street Date: April 23, 2022
 Buy It: iTunes

1. Alone but Together (6:30)