by Backroads Music/Heartbeats
The flawlessly assembled program, released in 1986, includes six original ballads written by longtime collaborator Bill Douglas; classical selections by Bach, Faure, and Debussy; jazz-tinged pieces from Thelonius Monk and producer/synthesist Jeremy Wall; and Stoltzman's signature rendition of "Amazing Grace." Douglas's refined touch on piano, electric piano and bassoon, and Eddie Gomez's soulful string bass round out a sonically and musically superior album that has something for just about everyone. Begin Sweet World is one of the all-time great music gifts.