Fact: Yanni released just eight original recordings while under contract to record conglomerate BMG between 1986 and 1994. Ultimate Yanni is, incredibly, the 12th compilation/best-of project BMG has issued since Yanni switched to another label. Yet Ultimate Yanni manages to elevate itself as one of the best of the bunch: a value-priced two-CD package of pre-Tribute material (126 minutes' worth) that, remarkably, includes eight tracks (out of 24) that appear on no previous sampler. Most selections (compiled by radio host and Amazon.com contributor John Diliberto) emphasize Yanni's bolder colors and more muscular instincts, a reminder of his early-career talent for blending progressive-rock drama with a Renaissance man's romantic flair. Three tracks ("Santorini," "Nostalgia" and "The Rain Must Fall") are lifted from Live at the Acropolis and only the latter bogs down under the weight of excessive soloing. "Marching Season" is presented as a piano solo, taken from a long-extinct Private Music sampler. Combine this with Reflections of Passion, his first best-of release (only three tracks overlap), and newcomers to Yanni essentially have his early years covered. --Terry Wood

Here's the scoop on this disc: it is a fine and satisfying survey of the years that Yanni spent while under contract to a major record conglomerate, BMG. It evenly samples different stages of the keyboardist's work from 1986 to 1994 (his thunderous early phase and his romantic-icon period of the early 1990s) and attractively groups some of his most memorable works in a single package (though by shifting back and forth between eras, the pacing at times is uneven). For a Yanni newcomer, this is a good introductory sampler of a major and worthwhile New Age artist. Just realize this: Yanni had nothing to do with this compilation. Nor has he had any involvement with any of the additional five samplers the company has rushed to market since Yanni jumped to another label in 1997.

Solo arrangements of 11 songs

Mexicanisimo, is Yanni's 15th studio album released in November 2010. It is a musical tribute to Mexico during their period of Bicentennial celebrations. Yanni has collaborated with Mexican producer Manuel Cazares, interpreting many of Mexico’s songs that embrace the beauty of their heritage. The album features performances by guest stars Lucero ("Mi Ciudad") and Pepe Aguilar ("Silverio Perez").

The album's title is Tribute, but it just as easily could be called Spectacle. Everything here is done on a grand scale, from its ambitious staging areas (the Taj Mahal and China's Forbidden City re-creations) to its large gathering of instrumentalists (more than two dozen) to the histrionics of two impassioned vocalists on a pair of the album's 11 tracks. The only thing missing seems to be the maestro himself--so submerged is the visionary-keyboardist in the mix. The musician showcased most often on Tribute turns out to be energetic violinist Karen Briggs, a familiar figure by now to all who have watched Yanni's global ramblings on television. The compositions and arrangements, it seems, are intended to be the stars as Yanni lives out his Beethoven-like dream sequence. Stylistically, the music ranges from urban smooth jazz to earnest orchestral sweeps. A grand concept, but not an entirely great result.

Wonderful and inspirational music from Yanni. After 25 years from the first release of this great album, the music remains fresh and uplifting. Enjoy it in lossless.

The return of Yanni as you know him: Truth Of Touch features all new instrumental compositions and recordings. Its his first album of new material since Ethnicity in 2003.

The new age superstar Yanni gives a concert in his homeland (Greece) after more than two decades in America, accompanied by the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The production employed army of lighting and sound technicians is lead by six time emmy award winning director, George Vera. The historic beauty of the 2,000 year old Herod Atticus Theatre (which is beneath the Parthenon) adds an extra special emotional element to the performance. Songs include "Santorini," "Keys to Imagination," "Standing in Motion" and more. The video includes backstage footage, production interviews, and scenes from the making of the concert.