For his pensive and moody debut piano album, Bernard smartly collaborates with Lithuanian violinist, Auguste Emilija Janonyte who brings her own signature romantic tone to each track. These well matched partners take us on a journey of fiery flourishes and passionate exchanges ("(Un)titled"), an almost pop like piano ballad ("Mercy") and even moments of playful serenity ("Childhood"). The haunting echoes of the title track, "Empty Vases" conjure up Chopinesque moods while influences of Beethoven can be heard throughout "Fear". With the hollow, mournful longing best conveyed by the voices of piano and violin, this newly composed seven track album bridges the gap between music of the 21st century while honoring the classical music roots that came before.