"Jim Brickman's" 5th album, "Destiny," is a combination of many qualities, and appears to be an evolution in Brickman's development as a musician. Of the 14 tracks, 9 are pure instrumental, and reflect some of the sweetest, most tender music I've enjoyed in years.

The first four tracks, "Part Of My Heart," "Bittersweet," "Meant To Be" and "Rendezvous," flow smoothly from cut to cut, building upon each other. Each taking on a new theme, slightly more complex than the last. I don't know if Brickman intended this progression, but if so, it's quite effective.

The first cut, "Part Of My Heart," is a piano solo, with a very subtle studio mix in the background. The ambiance of the album is set within the structure of this piece. The feel is one of fresh new discoveries, light and evanescent, like the carefree freedom of a child's lazy afternoon.

"Bittersweet," the second cut, begins as a piano solo which develops into a duet, with a lilting, soulful cello, courtesy of Martin Tillmann. Within the progression of these four pieces, this one has more depth and is the cornerstone of the grouping. A moodier and more somber piece, it calls to mind first love and loss, and perhaps a new awareness of vulnerability. Moving back into a piano solo, "Meant To Be" draws the piano itself out into a somewhat stronger theme, with a melody that has a bit more confidence and spirit. Brickman's firm fingering and smooth touch bring out the charm of this piece.

In "Rendezvous," there is joy in the pairing between Brickman's piano work and Herb Alpert's trumpet. It begins lightly, a single line of notes extending into chords, and from there, Alpert's trumpet eases into the tune. Together Brickman and Alpert take the melody line on a few whimsical turns, building upon each other's offerings until the tune comes to full realization. Only when it does this, does it finally end on another simple line of notes from the piano. There is an uplifting but contained rapture here that's worth the price of the CD. I could easily listen to an entire album of nothing but Brickman and Alpert, over, and over, and over.

Brickman collaborated with some incredible guest talent for this album. The list is impressive. In order of appearrance there is: Mark Tillmann, Herb Alpert, Carly Simon, Michael W. Smith, Michelle Wright, Jordan Hill, Billy Porter and Pam Tillis. I was delighted to see Carly Simon's name on the album when I received it for review. Brickman seems to enjoy including a lullaby on each of his albums, which I'm afraid is where he and I have differing tastes. Not even the inestimable talents of Carly Simon herself could save "Hush Li'l Baby" for me.

The next cut, "Crooked River," seems to follow a river on it's path. It's a gentle piano solo, appropriate for a quiet evening. It's suitably matched to, and followed up by "Crossroads," another piano solo somewhat stronger in texture, but complementary nevertheless.

The ever popular pairing between Brickman and Michael W. Smith for "Love Of My Life" graces this album's 8th cut. Michael's tender/tough vocalization of this tribute to love is another wonderful high point on the CD.

The next tracks, "Freedom," "By Chance" and "Remembrance," are three more enjoyable and gentle piano solos. They offer a soothing interlude before Michelle Wright teams up with Brickman for "Your Love," which once again elevates the mood. Thank you, Michelle.

"Destiny," the title cut, builds to crescendo this sweet little song from The Prince of Egypt. The duet between Jordan Hill and Billy Porter is a dynamic rendition, and an easy ride.

In the final (bonus) track, Pam Tillis serenades us with "What We Believe In." Her mountain clear soprano rings high and so very richly over Brickman's composition, that all in all it's a delightful finish to the album.