True to its title, The Kiss of the Sun spills over with warmth and sunshine. Classical in its scope and sophistication, the music is timeless in its mood and message. Inspired by nature and poetry, Julie Rivers’ fifth piano album shimmers. Most of the pieces are orchestrated, and children’s voices as well as sound samples taken from nature make The Kiss of the Sun a very full and rich listening experience.

I absolutely love “Heartbeats”, which is passion set to music. The least orchestrated piece on the album, it is slow, earthy, and haunting - and so very intense. Amazing stuff! The piano is accompanied by synth strings, the sound of wind, and at its peak, voices. I can’t imagine anyone being untouched by the fierce beauty of this piece - worth the price of the CD by itself!

“How Many Angels” is another favorite. Composed in appreciation for her brother, Rivers’ warmth and love touch deeply. Mostly a piano solo with synth strings and innocent-sounding voices, the piece uplifts and soothes. “Sad Birds” and “When The Sun Goes Down” are more jazz-influenced with Kim Park on flute and sax respectively. “Sad Birds” is downright bluesy, showing just how versatile this artist is. “Mountain Stars” was inspired by the beauty of the stars at night in Sun Valley, Idaho. It is dark and spacious, and yet glittering. It is very easy to lose oneself in this piece, picturing the black sky with its millions of stars twinkling above, feeling both alone and as one with the universe. “Daystar” swirls and soars in celebration of life and the sun - pure joy flows through this piece. “I’ll Give Myself to the Wind” tells the story of a walk in a meadow before a storm, escorted by dozens of butterflies and a dragonfly, with birds soaring overhead. Peaceful and serene, a lovely experience.

Julie Rivers is a relatively new discovery for me, and I am really impressed with the strength of her composing and playing. I would say her music is much more classical than new age, but most contemporary instrumentals end up in the new age category anyway. Open and heartfelt emotions conveyed with top-notch playing skills are a winner in my book!