Grace (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Jim Brickman (keyboards); Ginny Owens, Mario Frangoulis, Michael Bolton, Selah (vocals); Chris Korblein, Bruce Watson (guitar); Ludvig Girdland, Charlie Bisharat (violin); David Grow (keyboards, percussion, programming); Howard Pfeifer (keyboards); Jorgen Carlsson (bass instrument); Erik Eldenious (drums); Windy Wagner (background vocals).

Given that Jim Brickman has recorded with Contemporary Christian artists Michael W. Smith and Susan Ashton in the past, it's not surprising that the virtuoso pianist would make the contents of GRACE resonate with faith and praise. The fluidity of Brickman's flawless playing gives added impetus to many of the instrumentals sprinkled throughout this spiritually themed collection.

Brickman's renditions of traditional numbers move from the expansive, sprightly arrangement of "Jesu" to the thoughtful, Vince Guaraldi-like nuances of "Crown Him With Many Crowns." As with his prior releases, Brickman involves his share of special guests. Christian singer/songwriter Ginny Owens lends her talents to a rich rendition of "Amazing Grace," and classical-crossover vocalist Mario Frangoulis induces goosebumps on an uplifting "Ave Maria." And while the Dove Award-winning trio Selah impresses mightily on "Be Thou Near to Me," Brickman's longtime friend Michael Bolton steals the spotlight with his typically exuberant phrasing, giving the already-inspirational Brickman original "Hear Me (Tears Into Wine)" that much more spiritual heft. minimize