Just in time for Valentine's Day, composer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Avgerinos returns with Beloved, "a lush romantic album for all those who love and dream." Often referred to as "one of the giants of Ambient Music," Avgerinos has also received several Grammy® awards - most-recently for his work on the 2024 audiobook Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration by President Jimmy Carter. On Beloved, in addition to composing the eleven soothing tracks, Paul performs vocals and plays cello, guitars, bass and keyboards. Kevin Braheny Fortune plays EWI (electronic wind instrument), alto clarinet and alto flute; and Juliet Lyons provides her ethereal vocals. All of the tracks are very ambient, moving slowly and with grace. They range in duration from 4 1/2 minutes to almost 9 1/2 minutes, giving the music and soothing sound effects plenty of time to evolve and work their magic. Quoting the Round Sky Music website, "Whoever, whatever you love the most, just love deeply with all your body, mind and soul, until you and the Beloved become one." Those words very accurately describe the soul and intent of this album.

Beloved begins with "Love Flows," a piece that feels very much like floating on a puffy white cloud in a sunny blue sky, completely relaxed and blissful. EWI, voices and other ambient sounds lift you out of the stress of everyday life. The title track was also released as a single and a video and expresses warmth with a shimmering, ethereal quality. The three musicians really nailed the concept of "Softness" in the piece with that title. Alto clarinet, keyboards, voices and even a catchy rhythm in some of the passages create a sound that has no edges - just gentle, soothing warmth. Juliet Lyons' soaring vocalizations take us to a place of "Enchantment" - hypnotic with a touch of mystery. "Radiant Paradise" becomes even more ambient and atmospheric, transporting us to a scene of peace and beauty. "Luminous" shimmers and glows with beautiful sonic colors. If you still feel any stress, "Lucid Dreaming" should take care of it. A little darker and more mysterious, it has a very otherworldly yet comforting sound. "Sacred Space" continues the feeling of floating freely in space, completely safe, warm and contented. The sound of water runs through "Flow in Oneness," along with birds chirping quietly and subtle ambient sounds in the background. The alto flute keeps us in a tranquil, dreamy space in "Blissful Presence," moving effortlessly and completely at peace. "A Love Supreme" brings the album to a close, leaving us feeling relaxed and wrapped in the warmth of this beautiful music.

Beloved will be released on February 14, 2025 and is available to pre-order now from Round Sky Music, Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes. There is a beautiful video for the title track on YouTube. The album will be widely available to stream and download on the release date. More links will be added as they become available. Highly recommended for stress relief and relaxation - AND LOVE!!!