Reflections On Still Water - Artist: Acoustic Ocean,   Label: Self Released    Review The amazing Hawaii based duo Acoustic Ocean came to my attention just this year. Peggy Morgan & Bette Phelan are two entertainers that combine the love of people and place into acoustic melodies that are loved by the heart. Harp, guitar and flute are just some of the instruments that these two talented musicians use to soothe the savage breast. Their contemporary tunes have a taste of Celtic roots that never fail to please. You can get quite a tour of the Big Island with their tunes Night Flight, Moon Over Mauna Kea and Rainbow Falls.

Simple Beauty - Artist: Bill Leslie,   Label: Graycliff Music  Review No one represents the American Celtic tradition better than North Carolina's Bill Leslie. His recent release of Simple Beauty has enamored his fans and solidified his position as the leader of the genre. Drawing from his experiences with the Carolinian countryside and his love of the Appalachian people, Bill manages to exemplify the rustic beauty and pastoral peace that sometimes lies hidden in his extraordinary landscapes. His Irish pennywhistle and his talented compositions using acoustic ensembles entertain the ear and the heart equally. Watauga Wind, Chreegain, Smitten, Holy Smile and Intimate are just some of the crowd pleasers on Simple Beauty.

Tree Of Life - Artist: Brian Henke,  Label: Devine Wind Records   Review Although Brian Henke is a Master Guitarist, his second name could be, "The hardest working man in show business".  It is a wonder how he finds time to do as many lives shows as he does and still manage to produce outstanding music and organize events throughout the state of Ohio and beyond, but he does. His Tree of Life album is a singular example of independently produced music that goes way outside the norm. Always thought provoking and wholly entertaining, his music is truly food for the soul. Enjoy his delightful finger picking style on song such as The Autumn Trees, Dancing Shadows of the Falling Snow, and Olley All Ye In Come Free.

Fly - Artist: Eric Harry,   Label: Calm Records    Review It there ever was music that should take its rightful place among contemporary music and which would be the direct descendant of three hundred years of classical music, then, this is it. Eric Harry's Neo-symphonic album Fly is all that and much more. And he has several others just like it. It is a wholly appealing mixture of smooth, contemporary melodies mixed with classical elements and oftentimes a touch of the cinematic score for extra measure. To say this music is passionate would be an understatement. Lush orchestration via the Toronto String Quartet and Harry's own sublime piano scores leave the listener breathless and wanting for more. I Am the Sea, Fly, Skipping Stones and Cloudless are all remarkable, but so is his complete discography.

Another Place And Time... - Artist: Heidi Anne Breyer,   Label: WinterHall Records   Review Many of the tunes on pianist Heidi Anne Breyer's new album Another Place and Time are based on the remarkable paintings of Alexander Volkov, but the innate beauty of the music is of her own artistry. Tunes such as Conversation, Winter Light and Awakenings all skillfully demonstrate the use of shadow and light in the music. Sometimes the sun creates the tone and at other times it is the distinct lack of light that does it. Every song is a delight for the spirit and worth hearing. Frankly, I hope to hear a lot more of her contemporary music. Excelsior!

Portals To Heaven Artist: Ken Wood,  Label: Self Released  Review Of all the music I reviewed in 2010 Portals to Heaven by flutist Ken Wood is the one that mystified me for a long time. I had to wonder how the music went so deep into the spirit that I was actually at a loss for words to explain it. Finally, I had an epiphany and I was able to write about it. Many might find the music well... miraculous. Like Bill Leslie, Ken's source of magic is the haunting sound of his silver pennywhistle. His enthralling compositions are made up of miraculous notes and scores of faith. His music is intensely evocative of wondrous sacred music and there is something deeply personal not only about the music, but the experience of listening to it. If anything, I wished that it had twice the number of tracks on the album. You are sure to enjoy the entire album. Without a doubt, my favorite track was  I See Jesus.

Silhouette of a Season - Artist: Matt Millechia   Label: Self Released   Review Matt Millechia is another artist that was new to me in 2010. His album Silhouette of the Season is perhaps another feather in producer Will Ackerman's cap as the recording is truly outstanding in production value and content. It is not just audio clarity that it noteworthy on this album however, but the musical storytelling of the composer as he uses the seasons like a chronicled journey for the soul. Arrivals, Sphynx, Mist and Moonset blend color and shade into musical unforgettable vignettes. Millechia's guitar work is reminiscent of some of the greats that founded his genre including Alex De Grassi, Billy Mclaughlin, and perhaps Will Ackerman himself.

Whatever Yet May Be - Artist: Old Blind Dogs,  Label: Compass Records There be spirits everywhere and no Traditional Scottish band proves it better than Old Blind Dogs' album Whenever Yet May Be. It is through their album that I learned about psychopomps, creatures that exist in almost every culture that are a guide for the souls that have passed. Old Blind Dogs spirited album is a haven for 12 story songs of mysterious happenings and tall tales. Their animated sense of musicality is way above the norm. Like I did, you'll love the songs St. Kilda, Lough Erne’s Shore, Psychopomps and Copper Kettle.