Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored gently lyrical New Age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint and Kellogs as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album No Words on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Music Guide