The master new age piano pioneer took a cool and rhythmic detour in the early 2000s, working with some top smooth jazz stars to create a spirited, radio - friendly hybrid he playfully referred to as "smooth age." After returning to his roots (and his original label, Narada) with the atmospheric Spirit Romance, his 2005 dual project with flutist Gary Stroutsos, Lanz, on his beautiful and impressionistic Shanachie debut Painting the Sun, comes full - circle back to the elegant and contemplative (but still engagingly melodic) solo piano vibe that launched his career 25 years earlier. His original idea for the album title was "A Time for Peace," but taking a walk around his Seattle area home on a sunny spring day found him looking up and thinking about the artistic spirit of one's soul and energy…

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As its title suggests, the double-disc collection 20 Years of Narada Piano gathers highlights from the label's roster of pioneering new age pianists, including Wayne Gratz, Michael Jones, Michael Gettel, and Ira Stein. Jones' "Endings," Gratz' "Dark Eyes," and Gettel's "Orcas" are among the first disc's highlights, along with Mia Jang's "Water Circles," Shelia Larkin's "Poetic Justice," and Spencer Brewer's "Ghost Mountain." Disc two features Fred Simon's "Sister Bay," Michael Whalen's "First Light," Bradley Joseph's "The Glen," and Bob Read's "Turning."..
This double CD has nearly two and a half hours worth of high quality piano music. It is an absolute must if you enjoy this instrument. A very highly recommended album…

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