Love's Embrace is pianist/composer Ken Townshend’s fourth release to date, and I think this is his best work so far. Using piano and keyboards, Townshend has created more than an hour of music that is intended for relaxation and healing. Some of the eleven pieces are solo piano and others include atmospheric sounds and synth instrumentation. The music is flowing and graceful, soothing the mind while providing a gentle respite from the noise and frantic pace of contemporary everyday life. Some of the music is influenced by Townshend’s Japanese heritage, adding color and ethnic richness.

Love's Embrace begins with “My Beautiful Kateri,” a piece dedicated to Townshend’s wife. Shimmering and ethereal, the piano is enhanced with washes of atmospheric sound that suggest vast space and blissful peace. “Feeling the Flow of Love” feels like floating on a cloud, completely at ease. Along with the piano and atmospheric sounds, there are hints of strings in the background - heavenly! The title track continues the serenity of leaving all our cares behind for a little while anyway. “Go In Peace” is in more of an ambient style, with plucked strings, voices, and atmospheric stillness - another beauty! “Asian Flow” is the longest piece at almost 8 1/2 minutes, and is an evocative piano solo. “Childhood Memories of Japan” is more ambient with shimmering washes of sound behind the gently plucked strings - very dreamy and warm. I like this one a lot, too. “Sound of Simplicity” is a dreamy free-form piano solo. “Love's Embrace, Part 2” closes the album with another lovely piano solo that drifts along gently, fading into the air.

Love's Embrace is a lovely escape from worry and stress, and would also provide a soothing backdrop for work or studying. It is available from Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes. Check it out!