From the opening song with its delightfully intricate yet understandable melody, to the profoundly contemplative final notes of "Angel of Hope", this 12 track recording accomplishes what its enchanting title promises. It transports listeners into a kaleidoscopically aural world that is sensually vibrant, introspective and diverse.

"Secret Journey" is a feat made possible by the seasoned composing and arranging acumen of Omar Akram and Gregg Karukas artfully united with world class musicianship on a recording that is skillfully produced, recorded, mixed and mastered.

The transcendent aspirations of "Secret Journey" are clearly announced in the mystically mysterious opening measures of "Run Away With Me". Omar Akram's expressive piano technique nicely states the musical theme over perfectly proportioned world beat, ethnic percussion played by Ron Wagner. The arrangement builds to a driving climax before dropping back into the subtler rhythmic groove of the opening.

Excellent acoustic guitar work by Ramon Stagnaro and the remarkably fluid violin of Charlie Bisharat provide melodic, rhythmic and harmonic contrast to the dynamic contour of the composition. Bisharat and either Stagnaro or guitarist, Ardeshir Farah play opposite Omar's piano on every song. This pleasantly noticeable pattern could conceivably seem a bit trite in the end, however sensitive listeners should appreciate the overall effect as "the sound" or "feel" aptly pursued by the composer. There is a sense in which this sound is the journey".

There is a predominantly Latin feel to "Secret Journey", although judicious use of a variety of percussion instruments helps to offset any homogeneity. Omar makes skillful and timely use of this technique on tracks such as, "Stargazers", which comes at the halfway point offering subtle nuances of variety to the CD's sonic palette. In addition, Pedro Eustache plays a variety of wind instruments, which adds yet another dimension to the album's tapestry. Eustache is featured on "Whispers In The Moonlight" and provides his marvelous coloration numerously in the other songs on the CD.

Omar's piano technique flows seamlessly between solo instrument charged with melodic dominance to accompaniment and rhythmic support. His compositions as well as his style of playing leave amble room for complex and stellar instrumentation and performance by other musicians. This serves to elevate "Secret Journey" beyond the realm of the ordinary and into the stellar heights of significance. This is an important work from a rising composer who has much to say and who has the vocabulary to say it well. "Secret Journey" is a must have addition to any self respecting music collection.

Podcast edition of this review can be found by click on this link.