Precious Stones is a fascinating project by Al Jewer and Andy Mitran that features Hans Christian. The project began back in 2021 with the release of two singles “Emerald” and “Amethyst.” Four other singles were released, one each in 2022 (“Moonstone”), 2023 (“Topaz”), 2024 (“Sapphire”) and 2025 (“Aquamarine”). All three artists are multi-instrumentalists as well as composers, and they bring an amazing array of instruments as well as musical styles into all of their projects - including this one! The eleven tracks also feature Kraig McCreary on acoustic and electric guitars. Al Jewer plays silver flutes, Native American flutes, woodwind synthesizer, ocarinas, eBow guitar, singing bowl and percussion (and more!); Andy Mitran plays drums, percussion, synth bass, synth brass, guitar synth, marimba, harp and piano, plus a few others; and Hans Christian plays fretless bass and cellos. I think this quote explains the album well:

“We approached this project as sonic lapidaries, carefully shaping each track to reflect the inner light of an idea, a feeling, or a fleeting sense of beauty. Some pieces shimmer with serenity, others reveal unexpected depths. Each one, like its namesake, has its own texture, tone, and energy…. ‘Precious Stones’ is a journey through sound and soul - a celebration of the uniqueness that lives in both nature and human expression.”

Precious Stones begins with “Moonstone,” a piece that creates its own luminous glow. The four outstanding musicians created ethereal atmospheres that are set in motion by flowing, gentle rhythms and a lovely melody that weaves in and out. No one is the "star" on this piece and it flows seamlessly, soothing the mind and relaxing the spirit for a blissful seven minutes (almost!). “Amethyst” has more of a jazz vibe with a strong percussive beat as well as soulful flutes and guitars - magical! The artists have referred to “Sapphire” as “a layered exploration of a wakeful dream.” Christian’s cello takes the soulful lead on this one along with synths, flute, harp and Tibetan bowls. “Ruby” has Jewer on Native American flutes supported by synths, marimba, guitar and a variety of percussion instruments - I love this one! “Onyx” has a strong percussive rhythm behind what would be a very ambient setting otherwise. Slow, relaxed and mysterious, the various instruments seem to flow in and out of each other. “Opal” is a meditation on change as well as beauty that reveals itself in motion, not stillness. The music moves slowly and with grace with occasional flashes of the fire that make opals so intriguing. On “Topaz,” Andy performs the rhythmic bed and synth parts while Al and Hans carry on a dialog with wind synthesizer and cello. The piece has a Southwestern flavor and is relaxed and slightly melancholy with a strong pulse that keeps it moving forward - another favorite! “Aquamarine” is a shimmering, ambient piece that features Jewer on silver flutes and ocarinas; Mitran on marimba, piano, synths and orchestral brass; and Hans Christian on cello - a hypnotic combination that explores the sparkling gemstone's colorful connection to both the ocean and the sky. 

Precious Stones is excellent from the first note to the last! It is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes, Bandcamp, and on streaming services including Spotify and Pandora. I give it an enthusiastic both thumbs up!