Ahn Trio - Lullaby for my favourite insomniac

This is my CD of the year to date! The Ahn Trio are three gorgeous looking Korean American sisters, who are classically trained musicians and together create an album of music to die for. On piano, violin and cello you will swoon to their heart felt renditions of some truly great pieces of music. Their version of Michel Nyman's "Heart Asks Pleasure First" from movie The Piano is powerful and a delight to hear.

Guest vocalists shine on several stand-out tracks like "All I Want" and "Solitary Singer," but it is the playing of these sublime musicians which places this album amongst the firmament of stars. This is music you can eat to, make love to and meditate upon the depths of your very soul. If you buy one CD this year for yourself or want to give a present with real feeling, make it this one. SonyBMG Masterworks

Riley Lee - Dreams are Forever

An album of hauntingly exquisite music for shakuhachi and orchestra: an intoxicating and seamless blending of Japanese and Celtic musical worlds. Riley Lee is Australia's only Grand Master of this traditional Japanese instrument, and one of the few outside of Japan. The voice of the shakuhachi, both musical instrument and Zen spiritual tool, speaks of a wisdom that is both ancient and utterly contemporary. This album is performed by Riley Lee on shakuhachi, with Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sean O'Boyle. Dreams Are ForeverABC Atmospheres
ABC Atmospheres ABC Atmospheres is a sub-label of ABC Classics dedicated to sublime ambient music drawing on world, electronic, jazz and classical styles. The series features the inspiring work of some of Australia's best musicians performing music that is designed to relax, inspire and uplift. ISBN / Catalogue Number: 4765710