Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

Atlanta, Georgia-based pianist and composer Lanier offers us his seventh collection of music, his mission statement being to bring "peace and rest in a hurried world". 2011's 'A Thousand Years' aims for this laudable target via interpretations of famous classical pieces such as Pachelbel's "Canon In D" (on the Psalm 19-inspired "Across The Skies") and Bach's "Prelude In C", and hymns including "Amazing Grace" (on "World Of Wonders") and "All Creatures Of Our God And King" (see "Alleluias Dancing"). Lanier performs alone apart from the occasional touch of English horn (Jill Haley), guitar (producer Will Ackerman) or "angelic vocals" (Noah Wilding). Well performed and excellently produced, 'A Thousand Years' is a very pleasant and, yes, restful listen. The only sticking point (as it was for my musician wife) is whether or not one wishes such familiar pieces adapted too far; for example Lanier interprets "Prelude In C" in a romantic style, when in truth it is a baroque piece. At this point it all becomes subjective if you don't know your Bach from your Beethoven, but if you are seeking gentle sounds for peaceful moments, 'A Thousand Years' might well be for you.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.