The first two tracks of Romantic Rhapsodies gave me the impression that this was going to be a very pleasant smooth jazz album, but it is so much more than that! I have to admit that this is my first Tom Barabas recording, so I apologize to his long-time fans (Barabas has recorded twelve albums to date). However, I will be digging into his other CDs for more! Steeped in classical traditions as well as jazz influences, Barabas has a varied approach to his music, keeping it consistently elegant and sophisticated. Barabas’ years at the Liszt Conservatory in Hungary as a child really show! This kind of understanding of the piano and it’s capabilities can only come from one who has devoted his or her life to music and the instrument to the point that he or she has become one with it.The first four tracks are beautiful, and I was thoroughly enjoying my initial ride through the album, but the fifth track, Baroque composer Tomas Albioni’s “Adagio” really grabbed me. A familiar piece occasionally used in soundtracks, Barabas’ treatment simply shimmers! It is primarily a piano piece with background choral and instrumental accompaniment - what a incredible beauty! “Epiphany” is another favorite. It opens with an energetic piano solo as the sax begins to weave its way into the melody. Dark and haunting, I find this piece has an almost ominous quality that I really like - the percussion certainly adds to the drama - and then the dark clouds open to welcome a burst of musical sunshine. This is also a very remarkable piece! “Solar Wind” is piano with synth strings - again, a haunting and incredibly beautiful piece. The last two tracks return to a more upbeat, jazzy feel - especially “Dance Me to Heaven”, a light and breezy love song. This is a very strong album from start to finish, but the middle four tracks are incredible! I’m hooked, and look forward to discovering Tom Barabas’ other works!