RH Fox debuts Painting in the Dark with Lanz, Bisharat

RH Fox released his debut album, Painting in the Dark, worldwide today, pairing original piano compositions with world-fusion and electronic textures. The project was co-produced with David Lanz and Kristin Amarie and features violinist Charlie Bisharat.

Why it matters: - RH Fox is entering the contemporary instrumental and new age piano space with a debut that blends classical piano, world fusion and atmospheric electronics. - The album adds a visual-art dimension to the release, with some of Fox’s nature photographs included in the physical CD booklet version. - The release is positioned as the start of a broader recording career for Toledo-born composer and fine art photographer Robert Hasenfratz, who records as RH Fox.

What happened: - RH Fox released his debut album, Painting in the Dark, worldwide today. - The album was co-produced with David Lanz and Kristin Amarie. - GRAMMY-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat appears on the project. - The release is available for worldwide streaming and digital downloads on Bandcamp.

The details: - The album centers on original compositions built around expressive piano, lyrical melodies and subtle rhythmic elements. - Bisharat’s violin leads on “Follow the Creek,” the first single and opening track. - “The Mystic” expands the sound with hand drums, vocals by Kristin Amarie and bouzouki. - The title track uses subtle synth textures to create a more mysterious tone. - The album also includes a cover of The Beatles’ “Free as a Bird.” - The track list runs 10 songs, including “Reflections of Yesterday,” “Passage of Time,” “Magic of the Moment,” “Crane Dance” and “Seabirds’ Lament.” - The physical CD booklet includes a number of Fox’s photographs. - Engineer Nicolas Ntimas mixed and mastered the album in Cyprus.

Between the lines: - David Lanz said Fox began composing compelling music after workshops with Lanz and Amarie, which led the trio to co-produce the album. - Reviewer Robin James said the project reflects Fox’s “visual” mind and suggested the music could one day be performed with a full symphony. - Fox’s background in nursing and fine art photography helps explain the album’s meditative, image-driven feel, even as the release aims squarely at instrumental-music listeners.

What's next: - Fox is now promoting the album with streaming, social and direct-to-fan channels, including Spotify, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. - Publicist Beth Ann Hilton of The B Company is handling media kits, interviews and additional information requests. - The release sets up potential live performances and future orchestral interpretation, if Fox continues to build on the project’s momentum.

The bottom line: - Painting in the Dark gives RH Fox a polished first statement as a composer, with recognized collaborators helping frame him as a new artist to watch.