By Heart: Piano Solos

1	Angel Eyes 2:30
2	Lake Erie Rainfall 5:06
3	Looking Back 3:10
4	In a Lover's Eyes 3:20
5	Nothing Left to Say 3:56
6	Little Star 3:56
7	Sudden Inspiration 3:36
8	Where Are You Now 3:47
9	If You Believe 2:59
10	On the Edge 5:05
11	All I Ever Wanted 4:05
12	By Heart 3:45

Barnes & Noble

Pianist Jim Brickman's second album, By Heart, continues in the romantic vein of his first release, No Words, but this time he's joined by some friends and adds a few words too. The title tune is an ode to enduring love, delivered with punch and power by Laura Creamer. Along with Creamer's deliciously smoky voice and Brickman's piano, the sound is enhanced with drums, strings, guitar, and backup vocals. Brickman expands his palette a bit from his first offering: "Angel Eyes" is brisk and spirited, the impressionistic "Lake Erie Rainfall" plinks and flows with the natural vagaries of an actual shower, and "On the Edge" plays with the pull and tug -- free versus restrained -- of Martin Tillman's soulful cello. Brickman's romantic musings in "All I Ever Wanted" are delicately accented by piano and glockenspiel, yet the music generates rich overtones. Brickman has the pianistic strength to hold an extended melodic line all by himself, but you'd be advised to listen to his sweetly passionate music with someone dear to your heart. Carol Wright

All Music Guide

...Brickman delivers an album filled with peaceful melodies that evoke romantic images and intimate feelings. He considers himself a pop songwriter, using piano-based instrumentals as a canvas, allowing him to connect with mainstream listeners on his sonic paintings of romantic longings. The song "On the Edge" features a duet with cellist Martin Tillman, while other selected tracks include string and percussion. The album closes with the title track "By Heart," highlighted by Laura Creamer, an exciting vocalist known for her work with Bruce Hornsby and Michael Bolton. ~ MusD, All Music Guide