Personnel includes: Yanni. Personnel: Yanni (piano, keyboards).This collection of rare and never before released recordings by Yanni sparkles with imagination and flair and is sure to put a pulse in the bloodstream of even the casual listener. Being a skeptic, one will find a soothing yet orchestral wonder within the framework of each of Yanni's recordings. Ranging from a variety of instruments, the pianist/composer extraordinaire continues to bring charm and romance to life in his art. Presented here on Nightbird are seven dramatic and scintillating recordings, good for morning rise, airplane trips, car travel, and dreamy night escapades. "Nightbird" radiates with scorching guitars and bouncy conga percussion. Throughout the record is Yanni's assertive direction and piano lines. "Chasing Shadows" is a murky, haunting number dealing with the lives of those too quick on their feet, not giving themselves enough time to slow down, enjoy life and catch up with their shadow, and enjoying one's true sense of self. "Dance with a Stranger" leaves the listener to ponder about chance encounters and failed romances, or should-have-beens, to the excitement and anticipation of a new love interest. The plethora of instruments and sounds used in this record is mind-boggling, and it's fun for the listener just to sit back, kick up their feet, and dream through all the different impressions and colors of sound and timbre. Yanni does it again successfully, with gripping yet soothing, reflective music for the underpaid, overworked person at the end of the day. ~ Shawn M. Haney