Fans of piano-led ambient music should definitely heard Harold Budd's newest, La Bella Vista. The album captures two performances by Budd which were performed on Daniel Lanois' restored turn-of-the-century steinway. What's interesting is that Budd wasn't aware that he was being recorded, assuming that his work was simply being performed for Lanois and others. Though the songs often have a sombre feel, the dancing piano notes on some pieces is quite uplifting. A gorgeous release that could have come out at any time during the artists' lengthy career.

posted by Jonathan