There is a blanketing calm that flows from the opening title track of Every Island, the excellent sophomore work from jazz guitarist, Danny Heines.  Released in 1988, Every Island established a realization that Heines could produce hypnotic guitar pieces incorporated within beautifully constructed songs.  And all tracks on the largely instrumental Every Island communicate straight to the heart as jazz songs are meant to do.

Windham Hill artist, Paul McCandless, joins Heines on this effort, using his soul-touching soprano sax to further beautify what already is a multi-experiential work filled with 8 stunning tunes.

The art of song-craft requires more than just technical prowess of an instrument.  It requires the ability to blend great playing with the right notes to create a fusion of peace, beauty, and rapture.  Those are found on every track of this album.

There are two excellent solo guitar tracks here, the soft "Open Story," and the peaceful "Crescent," that do more than become a spotlight on Heines' guitar playing.  They easily contribute to an array of songs that include  "Pinnacle Wheel," a combination uptempo/downtempo tapestry within a dreamy 8-minute composition that is a standout soothing work all it's own.  It becomes all the more engaging by McCandless' contributions.

Every Island has long been on my list of important albums.  It's one that I consistently return to for many reasons.  Not only are the songs effective and beautiful, they also unfailingly deliver a calm to my soul.  And in these times we could all use that.  Who needs medicated calm when one meditative hour with Every Island will coat your troubles with the healing power of an instrument in the very capable hands of a master.

The CD is currently Out of Print (but not impossible to acquire). You can still get a Digital copy easily enough.