I’m so naive. I think I can write a fair review for any type of music they throw my way. Ray Jozwiak’s “Critic’s Choice” almost cleared away that delusion.

The first song, “Albert,” struck fear in my heart. I like to go with my first impressions of a song and let the artist build upon that. So what was I hearing? It sounded like an out-of-tune, jazz version of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” I couldn’t erase the mental image of Snoopy dancing on top the piano.

No matter - I plugged on. These were the days I wouldn’t do a review unless I listened to the entire CD. The next two songs had me thinking this Ray Jozwiak was the love child of Linus and Mary Lou Retton. I could visualize the tumbling runs as Linus pounds out the goofy dance beats the athletes must writhe to …

It wasn’t until track four, “Money,” that I finally got it. Ray brought in some funky bass that changed the cold striking of the keys into smooth, honey-fingered piano jazz. The rest of the CD was an effortless listen.

Jozwiak is talented and needs to be heard. I didn’t find a Web site or e-mail address for “Critic’s Choice.” Go to your local music store and demand it.

P.S. Ray, if you have a way to access your work online, please drop me a line.

For any future trips through the Universe be sure to book Dreamwind as your travel agency. “Warp Date” is a smooth, and yes, dreamy glide through the expanse of mind and space.

This is electronic music at its most beautiful and musical best. I can’t call this CD chill down, because it’s even too lush and soothing than that. I guess like
most, I will stick the “Ambient” monicker on there and let it go.

“Warp Date” is perfect for meditation, melt down and - surprisingly - copy editing. I guarantee this CD will stay close to my computer for times when the police scanners are screeching, the reporters are shouting and I’m supposed to be reading a 35-inch article on natural-gas drilling. Beautiful.

Dreamwind is: Ray Gantt - Bass; Rick Bales - Keyboards; and Andy Douglas - Keyboards.

All the band members are in their 50s and they claim this music is a result of their collective mid-life crises. We should all be so lucky … thanks for not going out and buying motorcycles or Miata convertibles, guys!

Learn more about Dreamwind and download a few samples at www.broadjam.com/dreamwind. You can also purchase the band’s CDs from the site.