If you buy only one ambient, atmospheric CD, make it this one. For 13 years, we keep listening to Desert Solitaire. Why? Because the music is as timeless as the desert it represents. There are no words, melodic or rhythmic cliches, or common reference points with music you know, so it remains pristine and unconnected to musical style and fashion. This is pure impression delivered via an electromagnetic medium.

Played at night (which I highly recommend), it is captivating, relaxing and purges the mind of petty concerns, as they are over-ridden by this tranquil reminder of nature's power, vastness and timelessness. There is incredible, powerful visual imagery in this album. For example, track 7, "Shiprock", the impression of a broad-based rock formation is scored as very low rumbling tones, demonstrating the formation's massive base and size; and a constant ominous high tone, representing the dizzying height the formation reaches. Also during this cut, the volume cresendos from start to midpoint and then descresendos to the end, giving us the impression of passing a powerful force from nature.

Just as in the desert, water is scarce on this album - the only hint of moisture is a tingling that we hear while watching the "Cloud of Promise" (track 5) approach and grow from the horizon. The rattlesnakes are on track 6.

It boggles the mind that a collection of impressions so elemental in essence could have been set to music by mere human beings, but yet here it is. This CD is a legal hallucinogen, so use it in moderation.

There isn't much else to say except Desert Solitaire is exceptionally stand out and brilliant. It is among my favorites, if not the favorite of my electronic ambient collection. In particular Labyrinth is one of the most beautifully sad pieces I've ever heard. It reminds how therapeutic to the soul solitude and solitary contemplation can be.

After purchasing this cd about ten years ago, it quickly became one of my favorite cd's to listen to, and continues to be to this day. The pieces presented on "Desert Solitaire" exude a desert feel. If you've always been lured by the desert, here is some inspiring ambient soundscapes to listen to as you fantasize about your journey out west. Steve Roach, Kevin Braheney and Michael Stearns could do no wrong here. The only problem is that once the cd is over, you might regret that you aren't actually out camping under the stars.

If the desert were a siren, these would be her songs. This album -- dedicated to Edward Abbey -- succeeds in capturing the essence of the American desert southwest like few other recordings can. This is a very subtle and silent album that can only be fully appreciated with headphones. The sonic and musical textures evoke the expansive, solitary, peaceful and forboding atmosphere of the desert. Even the ghosts of the native southwest (Hopi, Navajo, Anasazi) come to life on a couple tracks. Anyone with an appreciation for the desert southwest will be enchanted and haunted by these pieces.

If one lives in the desert southwest this album is really right on. I love this CD when driving from New Mexico to Las Vegas. This is a must have if you like the real thing.