Kathy Parsons Craig's best so far!  Secret Spaces is pianist/composer Craig Urquhart s seventh album of original piano solos, and clearly demonstrates Urquhart s magic, velvet touch on the piano keys. Urquhart s belief in the healing power of music and nature is expanded on this album to the more personal emotional level. Reflective, contemplative, and extraordinarily intimate, the music is quietly soothing throughout the album. Classically-trained from an early age, and the late Leonard Bernstein s personal assistant in his final years, Urquhart brings a wealth of musical and emotional experience to his music, keeping it direct and uncluttered without being simplistic. Flash is completely unnecessary when the emotions conveyed are this clear. More meditative than melodic, the music is hypnotic and calming. And the sound of that piano - pure listening heaven!   Secret Spaces begins with the title track, gently setting the tone of the album. Warm, with a hint of mystery, it s an invitation to a musical exploration. Contemplation is very fluid and introspective - a stream of thought given the freedom to meander. Cathedral Pines suggests the sanctuary nature can offer our lives. Reverent and hymn-like, it also reflects on the majesty of these wondrous trees. Romance has a graceful, dreamy elegance tinged with bittersweetness - a beauty! Venetian Snowfall conveys the quiet peacefulness of falling snow and the sparkle of light dancing on the whiteness on the ground. Forgiveness is sad but hopeful, reaching out, and giving solace to both the giver and the recipient. As the pitch of the notes gradually rises, you can sense that both people are being uplifted and finding redemption - very moving and evocative. Meditation is a soothing balm for a tired or troubled mind. Virginia Mountain Morning is the most traditionally melodic piece on the album. Refreshed and renewed, it offers a new beginning and sense of optimism. It s a gorgeous piece and a wonderful conclusion to a standout album.   Secret Spaces is my favorite of Craig Urquhart s albums so far. Very highly recommended! --Kathy Parsonsbetter than ever I have all of Criags CD's and I play his music on the piano myself. I did not think he could top himself but he did just that with ;Secret ; If you have not tried Craigs music yet this is the time to start. Once you get one of them I assure you, you will get them all. --Charles StoneLong may he gift us with his abiding genius. As a longtime devotee of Craig Urquhart's music, I am thrilled yet again with his latest release, the instant classic, Secret Spaces., In this return to solo piano, the master delivers another heartfelt, magnificent masterpiece. Talk about meditative! Urquhart was my constant companion in a number of European airports as I listened on my iPod, the melodious and ever wondrous sounds instantly removing me from the frenzied realities of modern-day sojourning. Seriously, if you haven't already heard the supple, superb and sumptuous stylings of this astonishing pianist-composer, you are in for a decided treat. Urquhart continues to grow deeper and more complex with each release. Long may he gift us with his abiding genius.  Victoria Looseleaf, arts journalist and regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times, Performances Magazine and founding producer of the long running television show on the arts, "The Looseleaf Report" --Victoria Looseleaf The Looseleaf Report