When I reviewed Blue Landscapes II: Discoveries earlier this year, I mentioned that I would love to hear the first album in the series. Robert Thies was kind enough to send me a copy, and I like it almost as much as the follow-up. Subtitled “Music from a Quieter Place,” the sixteen pieces are very open and spare, but coming from two such accomplished and sensitive artists, there is just as much meaning between the notes as there is in the sonic journey itself. Robert Thies is an internationally-known classical pianist, but started composing and improvising at a young age. With a jazz influence from his father and an appreciation for ECM’s “European jazz” and the music from the Windham Hill label, Thies brings a rich background to his original music. In addition to the Steinway piano, Thies used synth pads on some of the pieces. Flutist Damjan Krajacic also has a varied background in jazz, Latin jazz, his own central-European heritage and his classical training. As a duo, they create a unique and distinctive musical voice that spans several genres of music. This is music to unwind with, get lost in, and to discover your own inner “blue landscapes.” If you are looking for peaceful music with substance, beauty and grace, you’ll find it in Blue Landscapes. It is available from Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Very highly recommended!