Seeking the most fitting way to summarize a long and fruitful period in his recording career, David Lanz decided it was time to travel full circle - and to travel some place altogether new. To those seeking fresh sources of inspiration, traveling is a centuries-old tradition cherished by authors, artists, musicians and all inquisitive, creative souls. In the summer months of 1991, David visited Europe to immerse himself in the richness of Europe's history, its culture, its people - and to record his music in an environment unlike any he had experienced before.

Enchanted by the land and its cities, Lanz bypassed the secure isolation of a recording studio. Instead, he recorded in landmark settings where the vitality and traditions of Europe could directly inspire each performance: a church in Amsterdam; a palace in Madrid; a recital hall in Munich; an opera house in Carpi, Italy. "I wanted to absorb all of Europe that I could and allow those impressions to give shape to the music," David says. "To the artist's eye, it is a land of endless treasures."

As a world of new experiences unfolded, David's mental notes were being translated into music. To best document his feelings, David elected to return to the heart of his musical world - the solo piano. Over the years David has recorded as a member of a trio, as part of a pop-rock ensemble, and in the company of an internationally renowned orchestra. It was as a solo pianist, though, that he began his career with the albums HEARTSOUNDS and NIGHTFALL. "Alone at the piano, I can speak from the heart in a way that is deeply personal, direct and intimate," he says. "The piano, in my view, is the most divinely inspired instrument on the planet."

This recording includes both new and vintage compositions. David has taken several of his favorite works from the past 10 years, including many that are fully orchestrated on his earlier recordings, and has given them new treatments for solo piano. Here these pieces speak with the simple grace of David's unadorned, eloquent touch. His new compositions include several improvisations that were sparked by the atmosphere and surroundings of each European recording site. "Each city created memorable impressions," David says. "When I felt moved to express my feelings, I ignored the language barrier and spoke in my native tongue - music."

And what is the message that his music conveys? "It's all about a hope for a brighter future," David says. "It's my hope that we can all rediscover a positive, uplifting outlook on life, then use that feeling to motivate us to live lives that can positively influence those around us: our families, our communities and, at some point, the entire world. It all starts, I believe, with a return to the heart."

Laura Sullivan:

Feast of Joy & Love

Tingstad & Rumbel: Homeland

Gary Stroutsos: Oru