Take a pianist with a classical repertoire and a guitarist who grew up playing rock; turn them loose and you might get Davison/Coleman, whose first album wraps you up in melodies that reach back to the seventies and stretch forward to music that could come from a distant peaceful planet.

Classically trained and steeped in the rich traditions of world, folk and rock music, Davison/Coleman create delicate sonic paintings on “Forward Motion” (DHW Records, UPS 8-90037-00100-8). Their smooth-as-velvet songs easily transport you to realms that seem at once familiar and unique.

Subtlety and good taste are tools in their hands as much as keyboards, string sections, guitars, and their lovely intertwining vocal harmonies.

Lynn Davison is the primary vocalist, and she scoots the lyrics into your noggin using a blend of styles. What blend? Well, it seems to be equal parts seventies-era Donovan, modern-era Broadway musical, and some sort of future elfin creature from a civilized star that has come to rescue earthlings from annoying American Idol warbling.

Cole Coleman is a wizard on anything with strings, most especially his Takamine and Minarik guitars. Weaving in and out of all songs are gorgeous tones from his custom Minarik and Delmundo Lauds, which are an exotic cross between a mandolin and a 12-string guitar.

There are some minor sonic miscues, such as a non-shimmering cymbal sound on the otherwise spectacular “One More Day,” but for almost all of its 48 magical minutes, this is a masterpiece. Better than anti-anxiety medication, “Forward Motion” is gentle, lovely, beautiful, and soothing.

[tags]G-Man, Scott G, Music Critics Must Die, Davison Coleman[/tags]