Re-release of the previous album. Japan Relief (Earthquake & Tsunami 2011): A part of the sales will be the donations to Japan. NPO Inu Neko Minashigo Kyuentai ( ‘Dog Cat Orphan Rescue Team’) & Relief International. The selections on this album are made up of uncomplicated, austere piano playing; soft, mellow, and subtle piano instrumentals aimed at relaxing the mind and body…and that it does. Sometimes less is more, and this selection of genial, piano songs truly fulfill the task of creating a tranquil, calming mood. (gentle piano melodies that sound as if they’re floating on a cloud), appropriate titles like “Raindrop”, “Feathery Snow”, “Yawn Of The Moon”, and “Under The Sea” lend to the soothing effect of the piano. The simplicity of “Spiral Tower”, or the peaceful air of “Cat On A Gondola” suggests pure and utter relaxation and rest as the notes slowly flutter by. The artist, Yuko , grew up in Japan but then ventured to Boston, Massachusetts to study music at Berklee College of Music. Along with the piano, Yuko composes and arranges music. She also plays the synthesizer and other keyboard instruments. While it’s difficult to pinpoint any genius in her playing since the music is extremely minimal on this album, she does complete the goal of creating wonderful music to relax and fall asleep to. Piano Dreams is one of those discs you’d keep for a reason. While its main purpose from the artist herself is to help you fall asleep, it’s also a great set to put on while reading, doing computer work or paper work, having a glass of wine, or just as background noise while conversing. The rhythms are constant, the cadence is unvarying throughout each song, and the familiarity of the tracks grow to be comforting. This is a nice little album that will likely do the same for adults as it will for infants; rest the brain and help to enter the serene, unflustered land of nod.