The music of Tim Janis unabashedly wears its heart on its sleeve. Forthright and earnest, it aims directly for emotional connection with the listener via lushly orchestrated, Celtic-tinged melodies. BEAUTIFUL AMERICA is a musical celebration of the nation's natural splendor through a variety of richly textured soundscapes. Panoramic works such as "A Look Into the Ages," "Bright Angel Canyon," "Sight of My Homeland," and the title track conjure the grandeur of majestic vistas, while "Light on the Moon," "Canyon Winds," and "Stars Alight the Heavens" are tranquil meditations on the wonders of nature. The album was originally conceived as the soundtrack for a filmed homage to the beauty of the American landscape, and the influence of cinematic masters such as Elmer Bernstein, John Williams, and James Horner is evident in Janis's work. While meant as accompaniment to corresponding images, the evocative music is effectively crafted to stand on its own.