American River

Pianist/composer Jonathan Elias, with credits in film, television, and advertising, articulates this message as effectively in his 10 instrumentals as in his spoken-word tracks, which feature Johnny Cash (in one of his final studio appearances), Kris Kristofferson, and others. The disc's main co-star, though, is violinist Charlie Bisharat, whose flavorful playing adds crucial texture and richness to each piece. Elias's compositions effectively capture the varied moods of water's movement: the sparkling, pensive, ultimately free-flowing dynamics of "At the Edge" or the vibrant midsummer runoff of "The Great Divide." Yet the key virtue of his music is its ability to blend intelligence and heart, conveying both a modern-art sheen and organic earthiness. The effect brings to mind Philip Glass, Pat Metheny in his As Falls Wichita... period, or Loreena McKennitt if she were to try her hand at Americana. It makes for worthwhile listening, just to discover what's around the next bend. --Terry Wood