Forever More: The Greatest Hits of John Tesh
No one is soon likely to persuade you to change your religion, and if your belief system won't allow you to view the music of John Tesh without a skeptical or derisive eye, thenForever More, Tesh's second compilation project (Monterey Nightsbeing the first), will probably do nothing to alter your view. For the converted, though, this 13-track collection is a pleasant, wide-ranging sampler of the pianist-composer's varied output between 1989 and 1998. The package offers no new tracks or revelatory elements, and fans could argue with some of the selections.Grand Passion, a fine album of solo piano originals, perhaps could have been represented here by a stronger selection than its title track, and weretwosongs featuring vocalistJames Ingramneeded?  Yet Tesh's fundamental skill is apparent: the capacity to pen accessible, heart-touching melodies and perform them with conviction, spirit, and sincerity. While tailored more for Tesh's easy-listening fans, the highlights ofForever Moreare found in its dynamic opening trio of selections, two of which ("Barcelona," "Concetta") come fromLive at Red Rocks. Here's hoping that the commanding bravura that guided Tesh's earlier work will find its way into the studio for future projects.--Terry Wood