More Than Time is the follow-up to Ryan Michael Richards' 2014 debut, Experiences. Produced by Will Ackerman and co-produced, mixed and mastered by Tom Eaton, the sound quality of the album is flawless - clear and sparkling without being too bright. Two of the five tracks are acoustic guitar solos and the other three feature a few of the stellar musicians who often appear on recordings from Will Ackerman's Imaginary Road Studio. All five pieces were composed by Richards and all have a relaxed, soothing quality that is the perfect antidote to the stress and craziness of our present time - and any time, really! A gentle warmth runs through all of the music that just makes you feel good, and who couldn't use a little more of that?

More Than Time begins with "Moving Forward," one of the guitar solos. The beautifully bittersweet melody seems to be telling a very personal story that comes from the heart - open and completely honest - an inspiring start! "At Your Leisure" features Premik on lyricon (an electronic wind instrument that sounds like a cross between a flute and clarinet with a greater tonal range) and Michael Manring on electric bass. It begins with a solo guitar intro that sets the easy-going tone of the piece and makes me think of a blissful walk in nature with sunshine and flowers all around. "May I Have This Dance?" is a lovely trio for guitar, English horn (Jill Haley) and violin (Charlie Bisharat). Slow and graceful, I can picture it as a rather shy invitation that begins tentatively and takes flight as the music spins its magic. "Friday At Five" is the second guitar solo and my favorite of the five tracks. Gently rhythmic and introspective, the minor-key chords give it just a touch of mystery while expressing a conversational feeling. I really love this one! "Timeless" is a breezy duet for guitar and soprano sax (Premik) that floats effortlessly through the air, soothing the mind and relaxing the spirit.

At twenty minutes, this is a short album, but the quality of the music and the way it makes you feel more than make up for its brevity. More Than Time is available from Amazon (CD or MP3), Apple Music/iTunes and streaming sites such as Spotify. Be sure to check it out!