Amazon.comThe first truly new release in Ryko's reissue-driven deal with MGM, Ulee's Gold showcases the understated compositional gifts of Charles Engstrom, whose ongoing musical relationship with director Victor Nunez is well served here. Utilizing a small string and wind ensemble with piano and flute as the primary melodic messengers, Engstrom has created a languorous, pastoral masterpiece. It's the sort of mature, meditative music that all too often gets tagged with the unfortunate "new age" label. But Engstrom triumphs by striking a fine balance; his score is emotionally compelling but not bathetic, musically delicate but not precious. This is music to lower your blood pressure by--and we mean that in the kindest possible way. --Jerry McCulley