Two Shores is an incredible ten-track collaboration by two multi-award-winning artists, Jim "Kimo" West and Michael Whalen, both at the top of their game! There is a fascinating variety in the music from piece to piece, and yet the album flows seamlessly while taking the listener on an uplifting and magical musical journey. This is the perfect album for escaping the stress and worry of our current times, but the warm and optimistic spirit of the music is welcome any time! On this album, Jim "Kimo" West plays acoustic and electric guitars and electric bass and Michael Whalen plays keyboards, synthesizers, acoustic and electronic percussion, drum programming and synth bass. Both artists composed, arranged and performed the music and both produced the album. There isn't a weak track on this amazing album, and I fully expect it to bring in another arm-load of awards for these stellar artists.

Two Shores begins with the title track, an easy, breezy piece that sets the tone of the album. I assume the two shores in the title refer to Jim's home in Hawaii and Michael's home on the East Coast - both spectacularly beautiful and inspirational places. Paced like a relaxed walk on the beach, it's a great opening! A bit more up-tempo, "Ocean's Embrace" is a perfect balance of guitars, percussion and synth magic. As playful as the title, "Sand Between My Toes" could easily become a smooth-jazz classic! Alternating between lively and laid-back, it's a favorite! As gentle as its title suggests, "Malibu Breeze" is primarily a sweet conversation between acoustic guitar and bell-like synth tones backed by gentle percussion - music to get blissfully lost in! "Tides of Your Touch" continues this heavenly state of mind with keyboards and acoustic guitar gently caressing the soul (as well as the ears!). You can almost feel a warm tropical breeze while listening to "A Moment Like Forever." The bridge in the middle of the piece is a playful musical conversation (without words). "Pikake" is the name of the jasmine plants grown in Hawaii that are often used in leis and other decorative purposes, and this musical tribute to the flowers is as smooth and intoxicating as their fragrances. Living on the Oregon Coast, "Watching the Rain" feels very familiar! Gently refreshing and just a bit hypnotic, it's a beautiful mood elevator! "Rise With the Sun" combines smooth jazz themes and rhythms with soulful acoustic guitar to create a toe-tapping, laid-back beauty! The last track on this outstanding album is "Weightless on the Wind," the perfect accompaniment as I watch a big puffy fog-bank rolling up the river.

Two Shores is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and many streaming services including Spotify and Pandora . Don't miss this one!