Best known for commanding symphonies and crafting large-scale works, Kermit Poling steps into a more intimate spotlight with his new single, “Summer Song.” Stripped of orchestras and concert halls, the track captures something rare for an artist of his stature—a spontaneous moment of joy, distilled into solo piano.
Originally born from an improvisation on an unusually buoyant day, “Summer Song” shows Poling in a different light. Where his symphonic compositions are layered and grand, this piece thrives on clarity and immediacy. It opens with a gentle, searching phrase before lifting into a lively, sunlit melody. The shift feels like clouds breaking to reveal a perfect summer morning—an unguarded celebration that is both personal and widely relatable.
The single recalls the evocative solo piano work of artists like George Winston and Philip Aaberg, yet Poling’s voice is distinctly his own. The performance balances technical precision with the looseness of its improvised roots, creating a listening experience that is polished but never overworked. It’s music that feels alive in the moment, as if each note were freshly discovered.
Unlike his symphonic projects, this release was handled entirely by Poling—written, performed, and produced without collaborators. That independence preserves the spontaneity at the heart of the piece. What began as a fleeting idea at the piano becomes, in his words, a small “bubble of happiness” listeners can step into whenever they press play.
Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major platforms, “Summer Song” offers an inviting entry point into Poling’s artistry. For longtime admirers, it’s a glimpse of the composer unadorned, sharing music as privately as one might hum a tune while walking. For new listeners, it’s a radiant introduction to an artist whose range extends far beyond the concert stage.
Though he remains active in the orchestral world—currently composing for the America 250 project—this single underscores a striking duality in his work. Poling is both the architect of sweeping symphonies and a pianist content to share a simple melody born from joy.
With “Summer Song,” Kermit Poling reminds us that not every profound statement requires a full orchestra. Sometimes, the deepest resonance comes from a single note played with pure happiness.