Unveiled - Artist: Stanton Lanier,   Label: PianoPeace Music  Review My review of Stanton Lanier’s album was possibly the most easily I had ever written. The music as it always does, speaks for itself and this album has “consummate beauty”. Lanier is a first class pianist and composer whose music is evocative, deeply touching and beautiful. Every title brought up an image of pastoral beauty and vivid memories. This music does the job. Best track on the album was Wellspring. It is a truly inspiring tune that vouches for the power of faith and dreams.

Cartographer - Artist: E. S. Posthumus,   Label: Wigshop Records Review What a discovery! This album came out of the woodwork and into my spirit in a big way. Great compositions that vie with Einaudi for the best of the best. The album is a great story of ancient history and unsung heroes. The brotherly team of Franz and Helmut Vonlichten do a wondrous job of taking the listener on a voyage of the mind. The music on both CDs is stunning in orchestration and voice. Best track for was Nasivern, but honestly any track on this recording will do.

Music of the Spheres - Artist: Mike Oldfield,  Label: Universal Music   Review Going way beyond his Tubular Bells fame Oldfield takes us on a journey past the stars and into places about which only the mind can dream. Music of the Sphere proves the conjecture that all matter resonates with unseen, but not unheard vibrations. The vibrations make music. Oldfield has a knack for taking a theme and sculpting it with sound that pleases the ear and the mind. Key tracks include The Tempest, The Other Side and my favorite Musica Universalis.

Of This I Dream - Artist: David Findlay,   Label:  Over Productions   Review I am never surprised by David Findlay’s talent, but I am always delighted. His multi-instrumental capacity and his new album of reflective, contemporary tunes are a daily pleasure. He won me over a while back with his Delightful Voyages album and this newer offering is every bit as good if not better. Great vocal by Sue Brett on the cut Absent Friends that speaks for many of us that have lost friends or loved ones.

Meditations - Artist: Will Ackerman,   Label: Compass Records  Review Listening to master guitarist Will Ackerman’s new album was like visiting with an old friend. Ackerman generously shares the stage with his old friends Philip Aaberg on keyboards, Noah Wilding on gentle vocals, T. Bone Wolk on bass, Eric Freisen on cello, Steve Schuch on violins, Jill Haley on English horn and a couple of new/old friends, Jeff Pierce on Chapman Stick and Jeff Oster on Flugelhorn. He rekindles two of my favorite tunes, Visiting and The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit. If you listen to this album you are sure to become a fan.

Live In Berlin - Artist: Ludvico Einaudi,   Label: Klassic Radio Records  Review Probably the most impressive find of the year, Ludvico Einaudi renews my faith that music comes full circle, but with always with a twist. Einaudi takes neo-symphonic music to heights heretofore unheard of by us mere mortals. Every note is enthralling and every song soothes the spirit in those that like their music with a strong nod to classical music without the restraints of classical structure. Better than cinematic scores and music without words. If you buy one album this year, make it Live in Berlin. Special attention goes to the track Divinere.

Blue Ridge Reunion - Artist: Bill Leslie,  Label: Capital Broadcasting  Review The sovereign of American Celtic pays homage to his late father and his glorious works of watercolor art on the album Blue Ridge Reunion. Bill renders his own musical soundwork to paintings that revel in the Appalachian spirit. Not only does he offer wondrous tunes from his penny whistle, but also full-blown pieces with orchestra. There is color in the music and more importantly, there is passion. This is art at its best. My favorite tracks are The Bluffs and Wintercolors.

Star of Wonder - Artist: Peter Buffet w/ Kim Robertson,   Label: Bison Head  Review I only did a mini-review of this album, but boy, what an impression it made on me. Absolutely superb music by Buffett and soaring vocals by Kim Robertson. This album is destined to be a holiday favorite, but don’t play it just once a year. The music is very moving with delicious Robertson harmonies and harp work and the Buffett scores just turn into musical magic. (I was surprised that Peter did not do any of the vocals).  God Rest ye Merry Gentleman and We Three Kings are as if you never heard them before and are just two of my favorites.

Live in Concert - Artist: Snatam Kaur,   Label:  Spirit Voyage Records   This was a case of hearing without listening, but then I did. This music had a profound effect on me. It touched my soul and spirit in ways I cannot explain. Snatam Kaur’s voice is straightforward and mesmerizing simultaneously. Her album of simple prayers is one everyone should hear not matter what you call your God. The audience on the live album displayed a thoughtful respect for the performances that included GuruGensha Singh Khalsa on guitar and vocals, Manish Vyas on tabla and vocals, and Ram Dass Singh Khalsa on clarinet, keyboard and vocals. Ong Namo from the Adi Mantra was my epiphany. Give this one a chance.

Paris Moon - Artist: Blackmore's Night,  Label: SPV Records  Review One can almost say that Blackmore's Night is prolific in their releases. The combination of Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night seems to have filled every art rock, Renaissance rock and light rock niches that comes along and their fan base seems to prove it. An old favorite Streets of London is treated to the Blackmore & Night magic as is the song World of Stone. Although this album was released in 2007, I reviewed it this year. If you like your modern rock with an Old World flavor, then here it is.