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Moyo is a wonderful album for those new to Keiko Matsui as it captures her musical development for the past two decades, from smooth jazz to new age, and the emergence of a new style incorporating a wider range of ethnic influences and a willingness to record in more spontaneous settings.

Following her divorce last year from her personal and professional partner of more than twenty years, Keiko Matsui began exploring new musical directions, a walk into the future punctuated with occasional glances into the past. The result is her first album of original work in two years, music that both looks back and looks ahead.

Her new direction finds Matsui borrowing from the African contemporary jazz scene, not only in compositions infused with African rhythms, but also in her choice of performing and recording mates, including the reigning grandfather of South African jazz, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Angolan vocalist Waldemar Bastos, and Cameroonian bassist/singer Richard Bona. Matsui also seems to be trying to open up her performing by recording with live musicians in more spontaneous settings, rather than continuing to develop the carefully orchestrated synthesizer work for which she has long been known and at which she excels.

She hasn't abandoned that style altogether. You can find a couple of examples on Moyo, slower numbers based on piano and synthetic strings that will be pleasingly familiar to fans who have made her albums of the past seven to eight years commercial successes. Going back even further, Matsui calls on saxophonist Paul Taylor, a member of her touring and recording band in the mid-to late 90's, and Gerald Albright, who first recorded with Matsui in 1991, to help light up a few smooth jazz memories.

If you've never heard Matsui, Moyo would be a great place to start. If you've been a fan for years, you might find this album a marvelous retrospective.

There's no more spiritual experience in contemporary jazz than a live show by composer/keyboardist Matsui, who blends lush keyboard melodies, explosive improvisations, and a true Eastern spirit drawn from her Japanese heritage. White Owl, a special-edition CD/DVD, captures Matsui's vibrant 2002 live performance at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo, where she played many of her best-loved tunes with her regular band (including the prominent Michael Ghegan on sax, Mel Brown on bass, and husband Kazu Matsui on the shakuhachi flute). The audio portion includes new tunes like the title track as well as groove-intensive, sax-driven standbys "Moonlight Sailor" and "Across the Sun." There are also three solo piano pieces that offer a rare intimate look at Matsui's classically inspired piano passions. The DVD includes 15 songs and clips from Matsui's travels in the U.S.A., Morocco, South Africa, and Istanbul. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

For those who like a little mysticism and classical influence in their smooth jazz, Japanese-born composer and keyboardist Keiko Matsui has long been the ticket. She was Billboard's number one Independent Contemporary Jazz Artist in 1997 and is the top New Adult Contemporary female instrumentalist of her time. In the early days (she's up to 14 albums now), Matsui did it with a mix of thunderous film score-like sweeps, elegant and jazzy piano command, and a guest sax solo here and there to score some radio hits. On The Ring, she continues her recent trend of all those same elements and gorgeous melodies without concern for pop airplay considerations. Her producer/husband Kazu Matsui provides some trip-hoppy rhythmic foundations behind the gently hypnotic opening track ("Steps of Maya," inspired by Mayan culture and also a tribute to the Matsuis' daughter Maya), but the tune is mostly meditational until it breaks for a lush, experimental solo in the middle. The piano motif of "Venus of the Sea" works well as a catchy hook, and the tune falls somewhere between the esoteric and pure pop, with tighter, gentle funk rhythms, nature sounds, and a jazzy ambience. Alberto de Almar's graceful flamenco guitar helps introduce and provide harmony for the pure atmospheres of "Moon Circle," while "Prism" gets back in the groove for one of the disc's most exotic trips -- including a rising synth brass section and multiple synth sounds and dramatic use of the keyboard's lower scales. The title track gets away from the clever blends of melody, rhythm, and special effects for a more straightforward, film score-like presentation. "White Owl" takes the same idea to its dramatic orchestral limit. Matsui's goal here was to create music for healing amidst a chaotic world, but she does more than soothe the soul as she continues to follow her muse to unexpected places. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Since she emerged in the late '80s, many of the acclaimed Japanese composer/keyboardist's most popular contemporary jazz hits featured either a very prominent sax melody or a great deal of exotic percussion and Eastern-flavored instrumentation. Since signing with Narada Jazz in 2000, Matsui's work has drawn more from her classical piano background, featuring intricate percussion but none of the pop-soul sax textures that defined her early work. This beautiful recording, licensed by Shout! Factory from a previous Japanese release, should fascinate longtime fans who wondered what her most compelling work would sound like as new age solo piano works. A few tracks, most notably "Whisper From the Mirror" and "Between the Moons," feature some electronic percussion accompaniment, but in general, the tracks are all about her lovely melodies, dramatic chordings, wistful melodies, and the intimacy of the ivories. As on all Matsui projects, there's a perfect balance of elegant romance ("Beyond the Light," "Forever, Forever") and jazzy drama. It's a whole new way to experience an artist whose melodies sound timeless regardless of their presentation. The Piano is one of six hard-to-find Matsui recordings being repackaged and re-released (with the original Japanese bonus tracks) on Shout! Factory. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

One of the spiritual minded, jazz meets mystical keyboardist's best early efforts, helping her bridge from pure Eastern tinged new age music into gently funky smooth jazz. With styles ranging from R&B (the Eric Marienthal punched "Light in the Rain") and fusion, to Medieval Folk music ("In the Mist," "Three Silhouettes"), and her trademark new age ("The Wind and the Wolf"), there are certainly no borders on this collection. Matsui's sense of melody keeps on growing, her improvisational soloing is spectacular (especially on "Kappa"), yet doesn't alienate her powerful core of backing musicians, including guitarist Robben Ford and violinist Subramanium. Husband Kazu Matsui's production is once again impeccable, as is his playful and wistful shakuhachi flute playing. Phil Ayling's recorder and oboe on the medieval tunes are also highlights. Keiko's beautiful writing however, is what holds the marvelous collection together. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Taking a stroll through Keiko Matsui's musical hypnotherapy session Dreamwalk is like entering a funhouse where all previous definitions of contemporary jazz are strikingly distorted, and invention walks on the wild side of East meets West. Crisp melodies have always been at the heart of the keyboardist's best work, only here they come at you as part of the mood, rather than the central theme. Only a handful of the keyboardist's tunes follow conventional linear melodic patterns throughout, and even these are so beautifully enhanced by sweeping orchestral and percussive invention that atmosphere and throbbing, raw twists ultimately win out over predictability. Equal credit for the newly aggressive approach goes to husband/producer Kazu, whose sonic wizardry surrounds Keiko's silky jazz and new age passageways with curious echoing flavors, enticing soundscapes where almost anything goes, and loose-fitting urban cool. Other out-there touches include Molly Pasutti's sweeping wordless vocals, bass samples by Marcus Miller and John Patitucci chosen over live bass, and Kazu's own shakuhachi. More typical excitement is provided by Paul Taylor's always warm soprano and alto musings. [The album was reissued with bonus tracks.] ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Keiko Matsui's last album, 2000s Whisper From the Mirror, was picked up and reissued by the Narada label in 2001, and Narada is also releasing her 12th album, Deep Blue. It's an appropriate match-up for the Japanese pianist, since Narada is known primarily as a new age label, and, though her records are being released on its Narada Jazz imprint, "new age" is actually the best category to place her in. From the start of her career, Matsui has been shelved under "jazz," but that has always been more a marketing ploy than anything else, and never more so than on Deep Blue. Her compositions are melodic tunes, many of which sound like songs without lyrics, while others seem like soundtrack excerpts from a film not yet made. Matsui does solo within the tunes on occasion, but her improvisations -- if that is even what they are -- tend to explore further melodic developments rather than really take off. And the supporting instruments are just that -- percussion, string, and keyboard elements that support the composition. The music is said to be inspired by North Africa and the Mediterranean, another clue to its real intent. Jazz musicians rarely bother to make such extra-musical programming remarks, while classical, soundtrack, and new age composers do it all the time. As usual with Matsui's recordings, much of Deep Blue is attractive and engaging, and the bright pianism is consistently pleasing in its expression of flowing melodies. That it doesn't really belong in the category to which Matsui has somehow been assigned does nothing to diminish its appeal. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

The spiritual and charitable-minded Japanese keyboardist, who blends ethereal new age textures with a rich soul-jazz sensibility better than anyone, is in top form on her 14th studio release. Like its recent predecessors on Narada Jazz, the CD features songs that are all about the landscape between subtlety and drama, elegant piano melodies and improvisations, dramatic flute and sax harmonies, and rich ambiences dense with percussion. Tying in perfectly with her current humanitarian work with United Nations World Food Program (WFP) efforts in Africa (most of her recent albums have tied into some charitable or health cause), the collection features subtle worldbeat threads throughout. "Flashback" features a gentle, classical-flavored piano melody over a gently throbbing bassline, before Matsui does some dramatic improvisations over dense, exotic percussion textures. "Facing Up" is quintessential graceful Matsui up until the feisty, machine-generated wall of polyrhythmic drums (which she simply dances over). "Sense of a Journey" is a little more smooth jazz-centered in spots, but later goes on a film score-like orchestral tangent. The intro to "Reflections" is low-key but decidedly African jungle in vibe, while the sweeping "Temple of Life" features hints of sitar, vocal choirs, and chanting beyond the orchestral flair. The closing title track is probably the most restrained piece production-wise, but also one of the most memorable melodically; its royalty proceeds will benefit the WFP, her latest charity. Matsui is always so consistent that it's hard to decide if one album ever tops another, but like most albums in her catalog, Wildflower is irresistible in its execution of incredible dynamics throughout. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Keiko Matsui is usually classified as a jazz musician, which tends to mean that she doesn't get very good reviews, since she is reviewed by jazz critics, while her music actually is best described as a hybrid consisting of equal parts pop, jazz, and new age. Matsui can be an impressive keyboard soloist at times, but her recordings consist of textured tracks that find her featured playing set within a soundscape characterized by synthesized drums and strings. Whisper From the Mirror, her 11th album, is typical of her work, consisting of a series of four- and five-minute instrumental pieces full of shimmering, sustained sounds that pillow Matsui's delicate single-note runs and stately chord patterns. Derek Nakamoto's arrangements are occasionally stirring, but never frantic, and usually they emphasize flow over rhythm, just as the keyboardist shows more interest in sustaining moods than demonstrating her chops, even when she concludes the album with a four-handed piano duet with Bob James. It may be time to think about re-classifying Keiko Matsui from "jazz" to "new age," or even just putting her in a classification by herself. In the meantime, Whisper From the Mirror is another in a series of enjoyable recordings. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Although her press materials since 2000 have trumpeted her two wins as "Best Female Artist" at the National Smooth Jazz Awards, the brilliant Japanese-born keyboardist and composer is secure enough in her genius, spirituality, and vast popularity (1.2 million units sold to date) that she never limits herself to one genre. Her recent Narada albums have been a happily unpredictable mixed bag, with 2002's The Ring exploring her new age and classical influences and 2004's Wildflower going in a worldbeat direction, no doubt in connection with her charitable efforts on behalf of the U.N.'s World Food Program in Africa. Matsui fanatics will no doubt be jumping all over maps of her homeland looking for a place called "Akendora," but it's a place of her own creation, where she runs to spend contemplative moments and find peace. Wherever it is, fans of her jazzier side are going to love this collection. It includes trademark moments of lush piano amidst big, booming percussive and orchestral drama ("Akendora's Clock"), but focuses more on spirited, even swinging jazz, both free-form (as on the busy, trumpet-laced, scratch-heavy, urban-flavored jam "Overture for the City") and ultra-smooth (the laid-back, catchy, and hooky midtempo ballad "Gentle Sands"; the fun and playful "Canvas"). Unlike most releases categorized as smooth jazz, this is infused throughout with Matsui's unexpected creative textures. "Blue Butterfly" starts out like a typical new age number before evolving into a spacy, ambient jazz exercise complete with wild piano runs and distant horn calls. Husband and producer Kazu Matsui's unique, bass-bubbling production textures on "Crystal Shadow" turn its mainstream melody into a hypnotic, thought-provoking piece. And her early genre classic "Mountain Shakedown" is given a post-millennial spruce-up, complete with trip-hop production textures, a sped-up bassline, and some extra piano improvisation. One could literally go on for days trying to verbally capture the hundreds of surprises that fill a 44-minute Matsui project. She's hard to categorize but always an innovative delight to listen to. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Matsui's major label debut combines everything from chamber like organ effects ("The Ruins of Sonora") to punchy sax driven pop ("Mountain Shakedown") to orchestral film score sweeps ("The Gate") in expanding her palette further beyond Eastern sounds. Poetic, image laden pieces dominate, but her chops as a keyboardist are tested on more exotic solos. It's another all star affair, with Eric Marienthal, Brandon Fields, Robben Ford, Abe Laboriel, Paul Jackson, Jr. and Grant Geissman pushing Matsui into the big leagues of pop jazz. There's even a slight Latin excursion. The vocals this time are handled by Howard Smith and Phyllis St. James. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

In "Sapphire," Keiko has done it again, but this time the music is different. I've always had trouble listening to her music for too long, for in most of her music, I sense an underlying feeling of struggle, sometimes even despair. When I'm anxious, I cannot listen to Keiko for this reason; it exacerbates my unbalanced mood. In Sapphire, this underlying sense of "something off" is missing. The various pieces feel light, some carefree, but still complicated and filled with a variety of instruments including the piano. "Safari," my favorite, is exotic and exciting, yet mysterious. The last three pieces are solo piano, where her skill with the piano shines, little piano riffs throughout all connecting but clearly separate. To me, her piano solos sound like individual crystals landing on glass, diffenent tones, but all so distinct and clear, but always connected to what came before and what will come after, never a separation, but separate. I believe this is Keiko's gift with the piano, and this skill shines through in all the pieces on "Sapphire."

Two pieces are vocal, the rest are instrumental; the woman chosen to sing the two songs I find extremely irritating. If you like the Mariah Carey/Celine Dion kind of singing, you'll probably like the vocals, but I feel they detract immensely from the instruments and Keiko's music. The voice is overbearing and detracts from the overall mood of the album, which is upbeat and encouraging, which isn't always the case with Keiko's music, although always magnificently beautiful, nonetheless.

Keiko Matsui is the Stevie Nicks of contemporary jazz. In her photos, she always appears pale, out of a mist, like a fairy goddess or angel. Her creative and long popular blend of classical piano, aggressive jazz/funk, orchestral grandeur, and sonic elements from her native Japan allows her to create both poignant ballads and more aggressive fusion statements. Over the course of her last few albums, Matsui's Lindsey Buckingham -- always at her side, pushing her performance harder and higher -- has been seductive saxman Paul Taylor. On this ethereal mind trip, Full Moon and the Shrine (Countdown/Unity), she doesn't let Taylor stray too far. He's there matching her note for note, dancing skyward like Fred and Ginger under the swirling synth orchestral flavors and snappy hip-hop loops of Derek Nakamoto. On the dramatic "Bonfire of the Piano," Matsui textures Taylor's rich soul with her high register melody, which plays over a brooding low-register harmony line. Matsui always seems a bit torn between perfect R&B/pop melodies and film score auditions, but the one constant is her reliance on a wide range of machine generated and live percussion. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

This auspicious introduction to the many aspects of the composer's skills finds her surrounded by a slew of L.A.'s top players, some of whom had yet to begin their own solo careers at this point: Grant Geissman, Brandon Fields, Robben Ford, Nathan East, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Jimmy Johnson. Matsui balances a mystic Eastern edge with a lighthearted new agey pop appeal. "Ancient Wind" and the Geissman co-composition "Mediterranean Sand" are the best cuts, building from pastoral ideas into an explosive ensemble hook. Matsui also showed her penchant for soulful vocal pieces, using Abu Khalil and Marva King to varying effectiveness. The emotional vocal title cut was inspired by Challenger astronaut Ron McNair. [The 2003 reissue of [Drop of Water] includes a bonus track: "Mystic Dance".]~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

------------

[ Wonderland ] intro……

Emphasizing one kind of gentle absoluteness and excellent sound.
Localizing profound sound field effect.
Listening respectfully to the spotless Swiss note in the faraway musical world.

John•Jones,the columnist of American Music Magazine，wrote in 1994's end music commentary: New Age has created a new beautiful world for the modern people,and make the people retrieve the most primitive life moving.

With an aquarius times coming, regarding to mystical energy of the vast universe,the humanity positively attempt to understand it instead of treating it as the untouchable luxury,and try to combine themselves with it;Music is naturally shortcut,and has the resonance with unknown energy from the deep place of the earth even outside several hundred million light-year,therefore New Age music is as the window overlooking the end of the universe, then it explores mind, and developes potential consciousness, New Age music has become the new tendency under the metagenesis.

14 pieces of New Age music is included in the classic special collection named Wonderland,which is produced by Jerry Goldsmith,New Age music master,and is performed by Bandari Orchestra coming from Switzerland;Listening to the entire special collection,we feel extremely comfortable,it emphasizes a kind of gentle absoluteness without the difficult melody and the stiff individual style, it faithfully presents the beautiful wonderland scenery. The special collection has good sound, as well as the fine definition,and locates the profound sound field effect,it is the New Age music museum piece which is rare in the recent years in Taiwan.

Bandari Orchestra coming from Switzerland is an extremed popular performance group,the first special collection creates the stir in the locality in 1990.Its tune not conforming to conventional pattern and the tiny musical instrument disposition cause each song to present fresh natural breath.The simple smooth melody,the natural image and the popular element make somebody comfortable in this special collection.In "Wind of Change", you may hear the roar wind and a flute interleaving appearance, feel faraway and romantic extremely; In "Annie's Song", you also may feel the ideal surroundings which is constructed by the piano and the flute, 14 works filling the New Age style make yourself feel in the wonderland.

The wonderland in each individual’s mind is different.BANDARI,the orchestra from " the garden of the world " Switzerland,leave lake and mountain scenery of Switzerland embody beautifully in music.The first musical special collection of Bandari makes you charmed as the simple smooth melody,the natural intention and the popular element.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

----------------

[ Sunny Bay ] intro……

Roaming at the unlimited coastline.
Listening to the chant of the wave,feeling the warmth of the sunshine.

Following the five previous specials collection, Sunny Bay ,the sixth special collection,will give you calming feeling by more transparent timbre and the rhythm of music.You feel as if you were in the warm sunshine,leisurely roamed at the coast,and enjoy the precious quiet time.Every musical instrument have independent recording system,you may experience perfect voice,even you can listen to the most subtle music.
In addition to the "A Woodland Night",which is the tender edition of the best-selling piano song by David•Federman in 1999,the "Childhood Memory" which is the New Age famous music is included in the special collection,
and it is performed in the new elegant style.Oliver•Schwartz,the master of Bandari Orchestra, produced the warm song after he heard earthquake in Taiwan.The song is previous to the special collection,then it is included in the special collection,and it is dedicated to mucical fans in Taiwan,it conveys the warmest greetings from the other side of the Earth by music.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

---------------

[ Moonlight Bay ] intro……

The 10th New Age special collection by the Bandari.
Changing the quiet moonlight into the calm eternal melody.

Bandari Orchestra,which has constructed for nearly 15 years,has published 10 special collections,but the selected special collection isn’t on the market, because their each production is unique pattern,and any selections cannot fully express the musical soul of Bandari Orchestra.They are all low-pitched,as well as have been in Swiss mountains in most time,and collect rare natural sound,so the inspiration of each song is from natural crystal.They take the closest original sound which exits between the sky and the earth as melody to create their own music.Only hearing the song once,you can be impressed deeply.
Bandari takes the night as the scene in this special collection for the first time,and changes the silence which exits between Swiss mountains and the natural world into pieces of enduring calm music.Apart from 10 new productions,the production of the composers who are from Ireland, England, and France is included into the special collection.such as "shepherd moon" and "watermark" by enya,the representative production of by Sarah Brightman,and the incidental music of the movie <>,it expands the width of Bandari music,also shows us the Swiss mountains.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

------------------

Walking through the fog.
You forget the time but recall the past.

Listening to the note of the ,you can feel the musical world which is full of hazy beauty,and enjoy the quiet in white fog.Recording technique of is beyond the previous special collection,you could experience perfect tone and continuious audio effect.In addition, Bandari Orchestra went to the Alps to collect more natural sound.You should relax yourself,appreciate the music in the sofa and feel peaceful.

Recommending ,which begins with clarinet in the wind and presents illusional space with the flute.Surrounded by the sound of the wind-bell and the string in the distance,as the morning fog at the side of lakes in summer,cool but warm in the heart.In addition, the sound of the piano reminds the memories in ,along with the clear sound of the glockenspiel,the note resound in the far-reaching sound field,as if it were profound and sentimental like Neptune.it leave infinite memory on your heart.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

------------

Welcome to the Garden of Dream.
Spreading spicy pollen,receiving perfect souls.

After 10 years,Bandari collect the most representative New Age songs,and remove complicated business production to return the purest appearance from a master.14 pieces of elegant music with potpourri,is collected in the 7th special collection .

With Bandari producing dreamily,every production shows the realest factor belonging to its creative spirit.You can appreciate each colorful florescence by your hearing in the New Age garden,and feel the beauty of the bloom and the decline.You will be close to every master,and experience unprecedented musical sensation.

The most famous music of 14 New Age masters is included in the special collection.Each song is the most popular in the then age,such as the famous song by Suzanne Ciani and Yu Qi,the millions incidental music of the film "The Soong Dynasty" by Kitaro,and contemporary famous music by Japanese music God who is worth 100 million--S.E.N.S.,George Winston,Vangelis,Jean-Francois Maljean,Yanni and so on.Bandari Orchestra’s music achieve the other new level by the magnificent ,and create stainless fresh style for the New Age music.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.




Sliding breezy wind down along the edge.
The warmth nurturing the land is penetrated to the mind.

Bandari who has constructed for more than 10 years,is the most popular "elder" group of the New Age music.They are low-pitched, and like to look for creating inspiration in "the garden of the world" -- the mountains of Switzerland.By music,they hope to convey the truest feeling which is concealed in nature,and show spotless New Age music by ultra-wide-angle sound field as well as misty melody.

They spent three years on the entire special collection.they lived in the Saasfee Valley which is in the south of Switzerland.They not only take the local natural sound as the materials,but also present the snow-white color and comfortable grass faithfully.You may observe the moon’s rise quietly,and experience the different change of the season such as warm sundown. Following the delicate description from Bandari’s performing the nature,you feel as if you were advancing in 14 pieces of music,as well as sliding in every corner of the valley through the undulating terrain,and experieced a vast plain,grand hills.you will praise the miracle of the God.

You will hear Bandari Orchestra’s the first voice to the world in this special for 13 years.They dedicate the first to the Taiwan audience, and appreciate the support from the audience for a long time.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

Hearing move without stage wait.
The baptism of the dissolved snow on the Alps.
Boundless spring surround you.
:the faraway musical world;

:another great dedication of the wonderland series.
If moves you, will leave you on.
Following the space sense of the ultra wide-angle sound field in ,the 3rd Bandari New Age special collection which describes mountain scene in Switzerland is coming as the pure running water.Bandari Orchestra takes Switzerland spring as the subject,and visits the most beautiful Luzen lakeside as well as rose mountain.They gather the purest insect crying and the birdsong by the advanced digital sampling technology,and transmit fresh green field for you in other end of the wonderland.You may enjoy the most beautiful season through music with the whole human.

is from the creation inspiration which the members obtains it in the vast garden; You may feel the potpourri which flowers sea sends out, as if you owned the musical wing to traverse space-time, while discerned beautiful meeting. After is best-selling in European each place, is arriving as the pure running water.14 pieces of the New Age music of the special collection all come from the dreamlike wonderland, it will give you hearing move without stage wait.The Bandari spring scenery is unable to realize by oneself except for going to Switzerland.

Following and ,this is bandari’s the most original creation.Oliver Schwartz,the orchestra's head,quite likes the New Age music which belongs to the impression school,therefore he set up Bandari Orchestra with a group of young composers and concert performers at the end of 1980’s,and the orchestra began to be popular in European each place in the beginning of 1990’s.The reader who have listened to their music can approximately understand it,the orchestra's music style usually take the electronic synthesis music as the main of the performance,combining with the nature sounds which they pick up,in the two parts,you may experience the breath which comes from the nature and the emotion which you concentrate on it. But the songs of two former introduced special collection are adapted from the familiar-sounding music to the most people,it cannot fully reflect the strength of Bandari,so the <> might really give you fresh feeling.

In the special collection,Bandari inextenso introduce their hometown through the music---Switzerland's natural scene, the country is the world garden,while their music is really beautiful,the musical form of is gentle and misty,the music is leisure and comfort,the flower fragrance come with the wind,what a good nature enjoyable picture! The hazy mist which the synthesis musical instrument makes in , is sending out beautiful romance,as if the young girl putting on white skirt was shuttling between the flowers,all scenes look as if it were the pictures through gentle focus.With the sun rising,all fog dissipates swiftly,we can really feel the marvelous picture which is from nature in the Bandari music.The melody of is comfortable and lively,its rhythm is fully bright,however you cannot feel hot in the bright, on the contrary,you can feel comfortable.

In <>,each song has respective character, however, because its tune is full of the leisure,it not only doesn’t have the eternal pain,but also doesn’t have the high happiness.We carefully appreciate it as if we were drinking a cup of spring tea.The character is incompatible with the fast modern society.The rhythm of the special collection may let you slow down footsteps to look at flowers and trees,and relax the tense life.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

-------------------

Alps's nature sounds.
Reviewing exquisite classic western music.
Humanity's comfortable hearing.

Bandari Orchestra presents the spotless New Age music by the ultra wide-angle sound field,the lifelike technology gathering sound effect and the faraway tune.

Opening the Silence With Sound From Nature,we open the strange brand-new music world which lets listener delighted.

SILENCE, which is really unusual quiet,does not have the overfull exaggeration level,and does not have the excessive musical factor.The light music,the natural atmosphere,this familiar melody is actually coming to you.It leaves us the familiar feeling, but it is so different. all are the songs which we like,it give us aesthetic feeling of the absolute music angle by bandari’s brand-new performence.
The Silence With Sound From Nature,lets us be calm, it does not have any disturbance.Listening respectfully to the past with leisureness again,we listen respectfully to New Age music outside of popularization.

Hillwood music can be seen,we arrive personally Alps's primitive nature as it were.
Bandari Orchestra,the nature music master from Europe,freshly adapt 14 pieces of classic music including “EI Condor Pasa”,“The Sounds Of Silence”,“Chariots Of Fire”and so on.Birds singing,beacher fluctuating and breeze crying,listening to familiar-sounding songs,let you find everything new and fresh.With the global music lover expecting,the 2nd special collection <> come out finally. Continuing New Age melody of the past special collection,Bandari joins more primitive sound gathering from places such as the Alps and Royall river.The melody mixes the cleanly nature wind;let the most thorough summon of the nature conform to the comfortable hearing of the human by high-tech in the 20th century.In the special collection, you not only may review exquisite famous music such as“EL CONDOR PASA”,“THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE”,“CHARIOTS OF FIRE” and so on, but also may hear the songs of the birds from the Alps virgin forest,as well as the brook sound from the Royall river,it makes you new hearing sense in the wooded mountain.Expect it.

Without annoying sound,performed by the clarinet,the piano,the glockenspiel and the flute,not only the width of the sound field but also the canned sense,the special collection may be called the special treasure of the New Age music for 15 years.

is following special style of Bandari,it represents invariable aspiration which the humanity is eager to soar since the ancient times.Listening to the music with wind,the listener feel comfortable,as if he were in the 20,000-foot-high air;The special collection manifests its creation strength which gives attention to both sense of hearing and the visual,which causes the bandari to be number one since they have been popular in 1990.14 mood stories belonging to the cloud, which present a real sky,will lead you to overlook the earth by the brand-new angle,you will begin to be the free soaring travel.

The First is,whose melody will lead you to climb from the horizon to the cloud.It will let you feel yourself to be a flying goshawk,which is gliding in the full stringed sound and enjoys the floating pleasure in the cloud.In addition,Magic Winds,whose melody is stereoscopic shock by the glockenspiel,and the piano is hid to let you imagine it.Don’t miss ,The sound of the piano from howling wind,with the flute and the clarinet playing, Welcome you to savor carefully.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

---------------

The morning fog rise cloudily.
But the heart is as clear as glistening lake.

You release your strained physical and mental.Wandering at wide peak of Alps, the air seems to be transparent as if you could see particle of sunshine. Bandari challenges ultra-wide-angle sound field and misty melody to show spotless New Age music.The pure lake scenery is in fresh and natural sound wave,only hearing it once,you can realize the uncommon charm which Bandari’s music is popular for 12 years.

Following the commemorative special collection ,which performs the New Age master’s production,this special collection shows Bandari original music's power again.the multi-level lake scenery is described in 14 pieces of great music.You will feel the foggy waves on the lake at the peak of Alps,and appreciate magic amorous feelings that moonlight is faint from the lake,the subtle changes from sunrise to the quiet night,and beautiful landscape is seen at lakefront of Crystal Lake,sound field and recording timbre is naturally higher level. Bandari Orchestra especially enforces the depth of the sound field in this special collection,to represent the far-flung echo when the lake is very quiet.Please experience it carefully.

The Bandari Project itself has become an extreme successful product
for AVC on a worldwide level.Bandari stands for its own melodious,
transparent style within a enormous number of meditation products.
Every time you plunge into these impressive music,the stress of
everyday's life will be cured.

In an age of increasing modernization and alienation marked by the
threating,omnipresent shadow of civilization,the desire and need for
inner peace and harmony becomes increasingly significan.Bandari's
mystic sonorities convey a sense of peace and security.The spheric
sounds colored by touches of exotic harmonies create an inner balance
with the world and its many cultures.An hour of sensual meditation,
a truly unique listening experience.

A group of young,enthusiastic musicians,composers and sound developers
is the moving force behind the name bandari.Musical supervisor of the
bandari project is Oliver Schwarz,a multi-talented German producer and
composer who has worked in various musical fields over the years
successfully.He has worked for successful Dance Acts such as Black
White with excellent results in Japan.He has worked together with
other famous producers such as Alex Christensen,who has produced-
(together with Frank Petersen)the Mega-Techno-Hit U96-Das Boot(from
the famous movie)or the world famous title "Time To Say Goodbye" sung
by Sarah Brightman & Anderea Boccelli.

New Age flutist/multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Gunn studied music at the Royal School of Music in his native Rochester, England; upon moving to California, his music began to increasingly reflect the spirit of the American Southwest, as evidenced by the title of his self-released 1993 debut LP Afternoon in Sedona. For its 1994 follow-up, The Sacred Fire, Gunn signed with the Real Music label; The Music of the Grand Canyon followed a year later, his second consecutive effort to reach the Top Ten on Billboard's contemporary instrumental charts. With 1996's Crossroads, Gunn began absorbing Latin influences into his sound; Passion in My Heart appeared two years later, followed in 1999 by Return to the Grand Vacation.

Many try, but few artists create music so rife with imagery that you are transported to an entirely fresh geographical plane. No one tours the Southwest like Nicholas Gunn, the flute/synth whiz whose The Music of the Grand Canyon was the most compelling tribute to the park in recent years. With this release, he finds himself at a new Crossroads, which for all intents and purposes is best described as the rocky but clear-skied region around the Four Corners. His latest spiritual excursion again draws on Native American history to build percussive red rock themes around crisp Southwestern architecture that can withstand both intense sunlight and heavy thunderstorms. Gunn's flute is always at the forefront, played either like a percussion instrument or a launching point for soaring orchestral ideas. Loping along the mountain roads and helping pay tribute to his always enthralling landscapes are the subtle energies of violinist Karen Briggs, cellist Sachi McHenry, and acoustic guitarists Zavier and Bill Shafton.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

For his second holiday outing, pianist Jim Brickman follows the same formula that made 1997's The Gift such a success -- a selection of seasonal favorites combined with new compositions pleasantly performed by Brickman with a few guest vocalists added to break the instrumental mood. Like its predecessor, Peace utilizes the formula well, and the final product can add a lovely musical ambience to quiet holiday evenings. Although the songs with orchestrations or featured vocalists are done quiet well, Brickman sounds his best when working solo as on his own composition, the lovely "Early Snowfall," or with the romantic warmth of "O Holy Night." For the most part, the orchestrations take a back seat to Brickman's piano, and that works well for songs like "We Three Kings" or the unique ballad version of "Jingle Bells," in which he reinvents the song with a reflective tone that is less celebratory yet still full of the holiday spirit. Guest vocalists lend their pipes to Brickman's Christmas vision as the Blind Boys of Alabama, Anne Cochran, and Collin Raye (who also performed on The Gift) break up the instrumentals without intruding on the disc's candlelight atmosphere. The best of the vocal tracks comes from CCM artist Kristy Starling, whose lovely voice enhances "Sending You a Little Christmas," a new song co-written by Brickman. With its adult contemporary pop feel, this song could easily find its way onto the radio for many seasons to come. While Peace is not a must-have in the Brickman catalog, it accomplishes what it sets out to do, which is to add a little romantic joy to the holiday season.

Though best-known as a contemporary jazz performer, trumpeter Chris Botti made his initial splash on the pop music scene. A native of Oregon, he started playing at the age of ten, and while still in high school began performing professionally. After studying in the prestigious Indiana University music program under the noted jazz educator David Baker, Botti relocated to New York, where he served with saxophonist George Coleman and trumpet great Woody Shaw; under the guidance of producers including Hugh Padgham and Arif Mardin, he swiftly emerged as a highly regarded pop session player, lending his trumpet to recordings from figures including Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Thomas Dolby. In 1990, Botti was asked to join Paul Simon's band, where he remained for the next five years. Finally, in 1995, he recorded his solo debut, First Wish, a record combining the sounds of contemporary pop-jazz with the textures of art rock. After scoring the 1996 film Caught, Botti resurfaced in 1997 with his second LP, Midnight Without You, which was followed by Slowing Down the World in 1999. Two years later, he was a featured soloist on Sting's Brand New Day world tour, and that time allowed Botti to rediscover old musical passions and create new ones. Night Sessions (2001), which was recorded in Los Angeles, captured such jazzy pop. That muse was explored further in 2003 with A Thousand Kisses Deep, and to a lesser extent on the more tradtional orchestral jazz of 2004's When I Fall in Love. That record was his first Top 40 entry, and it was followed by the number 18 hit To Love Again: The Duets in 2005. Another Top 40 placement, Italia, followed in 2007.

Those who heard Chris Botti playing live in the 1990s realized just how much he had going for him as a trumpeter -- not only an appealing sound (sort of a combination of Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Art Farmer, and Chuck Mangione) and sizable chops, but also a lot of warmth and charisma. Botti's studio recordings, meanwhile, were decent, even though they fell short of his potential. Like his previous efforts, Botti's third album, Slowing Down the World, consists primarily of mellow, light pop-jazz designed for the adult contemporary audience. This is unchallenging music, and yet it would be a major mistake to lump it in with the outright elevator muzak that Kenny G, Dave Koz, Najee, and Richard Elliot were known for. Caressing instrumentals like "Why Not" and "Irresistible Bliss" definitely fall into the easy listening category, but they're more soulful, honest, and substantial than a lot of 1990s adult contemporary fare. Although dominated by instrumentals, this CD offers a few vocals -- Sting has a pleasant, if unremarkable, spot on "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," while Botti himself provides an unexpected vocal on Randy Newman's "Same Girl." Clearly, Botti's singing owes as much to Baker as his trumpet playing -- like Baker, Botti doesn't have much of a voice, but is nonetheless expressive and intimate. Slowing Down the World is a pleasant collection of mood music, but make no mistake -- Botti is capable of a lot more.

Though best-known as a contemporary jazz performer, trumpeter Chris Botti made his initial splash on the pop music scene. A native of Oregon, he started playing at the age of ten, and while still in high school began performing professionally. After studying in the prestigious Indiana University music program under the noted jazz educator David Baker, Botti relocated to New York, where he served with saxophonist George Coleman and trumpet great Woody Shaw; under the guidance of producers including Hugh Padgham and Arif Mardin, he swiftly emerged as a highly regarded pop session player, lending his trumpet to recordings from figures including Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Thomas Dolby. In 1990, Botti was asked to join Paul Simon's band, where he remained for the next five years. Finally, in 1995, he recorded his solo debut, First Wish, a record combining the sounds of contemporary pop-jazz with the textures of art rock. After scoring the 1996 film Caught, Botti resurfaced in 1997 with his second LP, Midnight Without You, which was followed by Slowing Down the World in 1999. Two years later, he was a featured soloist on Sting's Brand New Day world tour, and that time allowed Botti to rediscover old musical passions and create new ones. Night Sessions (2001), which was recorded in Los Angeles, captured such jazzy pop. That muse was explored further in 2003 with A Thousand Kisses Deep, and to a lesser extent on the more tradtional orchestral jazz of 2004's When I Fall in Love. That record was his first Top 40 entry, and it was followed by the number 18 hit To Love Again: The Duets in 2005. Another Top 40 placement, Italia, followed in 2007.

At the precise moment when a corporate reshuffling and a reduced roster led to death knells in the press for Columbia Records' jazz division, Chris Botti was signing on after three albums at rival Verve, the jazz arm of Universal. Along with Bela Fleck, poached from Warner Bros., Botti seemed to represent the new lean-and-mean Columbia Jazz, an eclectic, contemporary artist with considerable crossover potential to go with his jazz legitimacy. While the dominant sound on Botti's Columbia debut is naturally his haunting, minor-key trumpet playing, highly reminiscent of the more introspective aspect of Miles Davis, his original music, co-written with one-name producer Kipper, is strongly reminiscent of the pop-jazz approach of his most recent employer, Sting, whose tour hiatus created the opportunity for the recording of the album. Sting even contributes a song, the samba-paced All Would Envy," complete with lyrics describing a wealthy May-December marriage, sung by Shawn Colvin. But elsewhere his spare, stylish, multi-cultural music provides a guiding principle. Botti is true to the basic tenets of smooth jazz, which hold that a steady beat within a propulsive rhythm track must be maintained, over which the soloist makes his presence felt. But he and Kipper keep things simple, often using an acoustic guitar to create musical textures more suggestive of Rio than west Los Angeles, where the record was actually cut. And even with his less-is-more style of playing, Botti is capable of coming up with melodies that would be strong enough to support lyrics if someone wanted to write them. (A good example is "Light the Stars.") "Easter Parade," the final track, is by the members of the Blue Nile, another good touchstone for the trumpeter's moody, atmospheric sound. The result is a step above most of the cookie-cutter contemporary jazz albums of the day.

Though best-known as a contemporary jazz performer, trumpeter Chris Botti made his initial splash on the pop music scene. A native of Oregon, he started playing at the age of ten, and while still in high school began performing professionally. After studying in the prestigious Indiana University music program under the noted jazz educator David Baker, Botti relocated to New York, where he served with saxophonist George Coleman and trumpet great Woody Shaw; under the guidance of producers including Hugh Padgham and Arif Mardin, he swiftly emerged as a highly regarded pop session player, lending his trumpet to recordings from figures including Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Thomas Dolby. In 1990, Botti was asked to join Paul Simon's band, where he remained for the next five years. Finally, in 1995, he recorded his solo debut, First Wish, a record combining the sounds of contemporary pop-jazz with the textures of art rock. After scoring the 1996 film Caught, Botti resurfaced in 1997 with his second LP, Midnight Without You, which was followed by Slowing Down the World in 1999. Two years later, he was a featured soloist on Sting's Brand New Day world tour, and that time allowed Botti to rediscover old musical passions and create new ones. Night Sessions (2001), which was recorded in Los Angeles, captured such jazzy pop. That muse was explored further in 2003 with A Thousand Kisses Deep, and to a lesser extent on the more tradtional orchestral jazz of 2004's When I Fall in Love. That record was his first Top 40 entry, and it was followed by the number 18 hit To Love Again: The Duets in 2005. Another Top 40 placement, Italia, followed in 2007.

The trumpeter makes apologies for making albums whose very straightforward melodies owe more to his pop session work with Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Scritti Politti than the Chet Baker jazz vocabulary he grew up learning. If Botti was aiming for such a seemingly paradoxical blend of open spaces and smoky intimacy on Midnight Without You, he's definitely on the mark. A few of the tracks here -- most notably the snappy blues-based pop tunes "Regroovable" and "The Way Home" -- have seductive rhythm schemes and hypnotic gut-sticking hooks, but the rest just sort of hang back and play aloof, daring listeners to find them anything more than steamy, romantic background music for slow dancing and whatever comes next. The Blue Nile's Paul Buchanan infuses a folky vocal personality into the title track, and "Mr. Wah" uses those synth textures as a springboard for some more intensive improvisational funk exercises, but on tunes like "The Steps of Positano," "Never Gone," and "When Rain Falls" Botti's warm tones are in service of what amounts to a melancholy soundtrack to a rainy day. Which seems to be Botti's very intention.

Though best-known as a contemporary jazz performer, trumpeter Chris Botti made his initial splash on the pop music scene. A native of Oregon, he started playing at the age of ten, and while still in high school began performing professionally. After studying in the prestigious Indiana University music program under the noted jazz educator David Baker, Botti relocated to New York, where he served with saxophonist George Coleman and trumpet great Woody Shaw; under the guidance of producers including Hugh Padgham and Arif Mardin, he swiftly emerged as a highly regarded pop session player, lending his trumpet to recordings from figures including Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Thomas Dolby. In 1990, Botti was asked to join Paul Simon's band, where he remained for the next five years. Finally, in 1995, he recorded his solo debut, First Wish, a record combining the sounds of contemporary pop-jazz with the textures of art rock. After scoring the 1996 film Caught, Botti resurfaced in 1997 with his second LP, Midnight Without You, which was followed by Slowing Down the World in 1999. Two years later, he was a featured soloist on Sting's Brand New Day world tour, and that time allowed Botti to rediscover old musical passions and create new ones. Night Sessions (2001), which was recorded in Los Angeles, captured such jazzy pop. That muse was explored further in 2003 with A Thousand Kisses Deep, and to a lesser extent on the more tradtional orchestral jazz of 2004's When I Fall in Love. That record was his first Top 40 entry, and it was followed by the number 18 hit To Love Again: The Duets in 2005. Another Top 40 placement, Italia, followed in 2007.

Chris Botti's sixth album is a wonderfully, even perfectly crafted group of originals and covers that accent his deep crossover appeal as both a jazz and pop musician. Botti's phrasing is very keen, uncanny in the way it works with simple rhythmic structures, and his tone is rich and warm. His use of keyboards and drum loops is pretty much up to the minute in terms of its hip factor, and his arrangements appeal to serious jazz fans and are something akin to blessed-out ecstasy to smooth jazz aficionados. Therein also lies the problem. Botti hasn't significantly developed his sense of artifice since his debut album and, if anything, has delved deeper into its oh-so-cool bachelor pad faux elegance than ever on A Thousand Kisses Deep. The title track, a very moving song written by Leonard Cohen, is the finest moment on the disc. A spare guitar backdrop is adorned simply; Botti plays the melody in short, clipped staccato phrases for an entire full verse before the rhythm section enters. The effect is haunting, lushly romantic, and full of a sensual warmth that is as spooky as it is silky. The spare keyboards and brushed drums offer the song as something slightly Latin (thanks to the gorgeous guitar playing by Dean Parks). It could have been the love theme in Robert Rodriguez's Once Upon a Time in Mexico -- yes, it really does feel slightly mariachi! Burt Bacharach's "The Look of Love," despite a marvelous vocal by Chantal Kreviazuk, suffers from cute syndrome -- as does "The Last Three Minutes," another Bacharach tune. The straight pop stuff, such as "Ever Since We Met" with Bridget Benenate's breathy vocals, work very well. Botti's solo entwines the refrain and carries the singer's voice along into the ether. A duet with pianist Billy Childs on "My Funny Valentine" feels a tad stilted, but there is great tension resolution in the third chorus. "If I Could," another original, with the great Smokey Hormel on guitar in addition to Parks, is a true mood-setter. Smoky, slightly steamy with just a hint of a funk backdrop and Botti whispering through the pastel keyboard sounds with his own shade of deep blue and gauzy elegance, it's the babymaker on the album. In all, as with each of Botti's recordings, there is nothing inherently wrong here, and the formula is successful; it's one of the better mood records out there, but it's still formula, contrived and calculated to establish and keep the listener paying some degree of attention, but not too much.

Doing what every good merchandiser does when there's no new real product for the Christmas season, Kenny G repackages his best stuff with a few new tracks. The Greatest Holiday Classics boasts pieces from previous holiday records, Wishes (2002), Faith (1999) and Miracles (1997), with five new cuts for a total of 16. To be sure it's a generous offering from the one guy in popular music who just might be contemporary America's Jazzman. Whether playing his acclaimed alto sax or blowing tenor, Kenny's signature tone is nearly unmistakable from anyone else's, perhaps, for his easily accessible phrasing and the limited improvisation he's willing to put on record. His focus has always been on delivering the song, rather than the possibilities for innovation, exploration and enhanced creativity that more adventurous players readily welcome in the jazz setting with any tune. One of the new pieces, a big band treatment of "Jingle Bell Rock" joyfully swings under Randy Waldman's arrangement and fellow his horn men seem to push G on his solo, while the other new works "My Favorite Things" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" are fairly predictable fare. Even "Jingle Bells" is reduced to a slow tempo, with KG's trademark moody, saccharine strings and piano in the mix. But then, this is exactly the kind of Christmas tea many want against the often-overwhelming din of the holiday rush. Martin Keller