Trillium is multi-instrumentalist/composer Kori Linae Carothers’ third album to date. Produced by the legendary Will Ackerman, the album presents a vibrant mix of acoustic and electronic instrumentals ranging from delicate piano pieces to sweeping Native American-inspired soundscapes. Recorded at Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios, the album features an impressive list of supporting artists from all over the US. Carothers performs on piano, synthesizer, Native American flute, and vocals, as well as programming and production. The package contains a beautiful booklet with stunning photography and liner notes explaining the origins of the music as well as who played what on the recording.

“Crystal Fields” is the opening track and draws you in from the first notes. Passionate, elegantly flowing piano accompanied by Eugene Friesen on cello and Jeff Oster on flugel horn clues you in that this is a special CD! “Blue Ice” picks up the rhythm a bit and paints a chilly portrait of the arctic. Carothers provides synth and programming while Tom Shinness, Jeff Silverman, and Corin Nelsen support on an assortment of instruments. I love this piece! Carothers returns to the piano for “A Roses Tale,” a gorgeous telling of her garden’s roses lamenting their plight at being cut back. This delicate piece includes Malcom Dalglish on hammered dulcimer - a treat for the ears! “Midnight” begins with Jeff Oster creating a mood of dark vast space. Piano and cello enter with a moving tribute to Carothers’ muse - another beauty! “Nez Perce” was inspired by watching “I Will Fight No More Forever” and is dedicated to the Nez Perce Nation and Chief Joseph. This cinematic piece features a wide range of synth sounds, Native American flute, and vocals, and runs almost seven minutes - impressive! “Tangled Up” is another favorite and features Scarlet Rivera on violin, Jeff Haynes on percussion, T Bone Wolk on bass, and David Cullen and Will Ackerman on guitar. Graceful and evocative, the catchy rhythms keep it moving forward. I also really like “The Long View,” which features Carothers on piano and wordless vocals, and Ackerman on guitar. Very spare and melodic, the simplicity of the piece conveys deep emotion. “Carpe Diem” is stunning with layered wordless vocals by Aeone, synth, guitar, a wide variety of percussion instruments (including water bottles!!!), and bass and a sweeping sound. More ambient than some of the other tracks, it evokes passion and longing. “3 Degrees” closes the album with piano, guitar, and tam tam bidding a warm, affectionate adieu.

Trillium and Kori Linae Carothers are an exceptional discovery! See what the buzz is all about at www.koritunes.com, cdbaby.com, amazon.com, and iTunes. Recommended!