Even with the stratospheric pedigree of these three musicians – Will Ackerman, Jeff Oster, and Tom Eaton – and the expectations I held as a result, Brothers still stopped me in my proverbial tracks during my first playing. The album’s eight songs flow forth like a gentle breeze on a warm day, carrying relief in every note, but in this case, the relief is a palpable easing of stress, a wave of gorgeous melodies easing the listener gently into a state of utter peace and relaxation. The level of seamless simpatico between Ackerman, Oster, and Eaton on display here is just one of this album’s triumphs. When I’ve reviewed albums from these three artists, either as collaborators or solo artists, I often feared being accused of hyperbole, but trust me, you will not hear more sincere and ear-pleasing instrumental music any time soon.

Bill Binkelman – Wind and Wire