Peter Kater is one of the most active and prolific composers out there, but the high quality of his recordings never wavers. On Call of Love, Kater is joined by Paul McCandless (oboe, soprano sax and penny whistles), Dominic Miller (acoustic guitar), and Jacques Morelenbaum (cello) playing nine Kater originals and a stunning instrumental arrangement of Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” Most of the music is flowing and exceptionally beautiful, but there are some jazzier moments as well, giving the album a bit more of an eclectic feel. Kater relocated to Maui from Southern California fairly recently, and has many more opportunities to spend time in nature - his new reality. Quoting from the liner notes, Kater explains, “Here, in the ‘real’ world, the natural world, within each moment and from every direction, resounds the Call of Love.” Can you imagine how much different the world would be if everyone had that kind of inspiration? Kater’s music will give you an idea of what that world would sound like.

Call of Love begins with the title track, a graceful and passionate piece that features Kater on piano, McCandless on oboe, and Morelenbaum on cello. Gorgeous! I love “Breath of Life,” which includes all four musicians, none of which is the “star.” A true collaboration, each has a chance to shine as well as to weave a dreamy tapestry of sound together. “Song of My Heart” combines feelings of elation and peaceful reflection into another gorgeous ensemble piece for the quartet. “Here For You” is upbeat and lively, and because of the freedom and spontaneity of the sound, I assume that quite a bit of it is improvised. “In Every Life” is the only piano solo, and it’s a beauty! “A Tale To Tell” is another favorite. Very slow, poignant and bittersweet, it really touches the heart. “My Beloved” is a tender love song made even more evocative by the silky tones of the cello. Sting’s classic “Fields of Gold” is one of the best songs of the past twenty years, but Kater and Dominic Miller make it their own with an outstanding arrangement for piano and guitar. “Each Moment” closes out the set with tenderness and grace, saving my favorite track for last.

I have most of Peter Kater’s recordings and never get tired of his music, so even though you may have several of his albums in your collection, I think you’ll like this one a lot, too. It’s available from peterkater.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Recommended!