"Paradise...does it exist all around us, inside of us, something we can touch, or is it merely a state of mind? The latter rings truest for myself. Inner peace seems to be best found on our own terms, and in our own time. My wish is that this music may give you pause and perhaps be a musical companion on your journey to...finding paradise."    David Lanz

Personnel includes: David Lanz (piano); Dave Koz, Marc Antoine.
Recorded at Nightowl Studios, Granada Hills, California.

Perhaps the most striking track on FINDING PARADISE is the only one that pianist David Lanz didn't compose. "America," originally written and performed by Neil Diamond, is reprised here, but the difference is all in the timing. Lanz, who performed this version soon after the events of September 11, 2001, turns out a song whose patriotism is tempered by pathos.

This theme of loss is explored on other songs on the album, including the wistful "The Sound of Wings," composed in memory of a victim of cancer, and "Lost in Paradise." However, "That Smile" is far more upbeat, while "Romantica," which he performs with saxophonist Dave Koz, sounds like it was composed from the comfort of a hammock.

Laura Sullivan:

Feast of Joy & Love

Tingstad & Rumbel: Homeland

Gary Stroutsos: Oru