"Counting Stars" pulls together some of Steve Orchards best known tracks from his "Dancer" series of albums released a few years ago and includes a couple of new tracks as well, all remastered. Steve has a gentle but full sounding style of instrumental music, featuring expertly played acoustic guitar, flutes, harp, keyboard pads and occasional percussion. Because it's a compilation, this is a much livelier and more diverse collection of songs than his dreamy "Riverboat" debut on AD Music. But just like that excellent release, the music drifts along nicely, flowing over you in delicate waves while always retaining interest with some nice, gentle rhythmic motion. Ideas never outstay their welcome and the music is varied in tempo and style, well structured and ideal for meditation or simply relaxing to. Recommended.
