If You Believe is the latest offering from pop piano recording star Jim Brickman. While Brickman isn't well-known in the Christian market, his career includes over 3 million in record sales and three certified Gold projects. He is the recipient of this year's and the 1998 SESAC Songwriter of the Year award, and has earned a 1998 Gospel Music Association Dove award for his song, "The Gift," which showcased the vocals of Raye and Ashton and is included on the CD. If You Believe is on the Windham Hill label, a noted adult contemporary instrumental music label which has been home to such noted artists as Brickman, George Winston, Will Ackerman, James Ingram, Barry White and Peabo Bryson. Provident Music is distributing the release to the Christian market.
Though originally known as a solo pianist and composer, Brickman has in the past employed a variety of vocalists on his projects. This project features vocal appearances by top-selling artists Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace, Collin Raye and Susan Ashton. It is an excellent opportunity to gain a wider audience for these artists.
Primarily a solo piano project, this is a perfect album for those reflective quiet-time moments. Brickman does a wonderful job of weaving personal emotion and beauty into these songs on both the vocal and instrumental tracks. The production as expected is excellent.
4.5 tocks
