On this, his fifth CD, Richard Carr has attempted to convey a feeling of patriotism in his music and those sentiments are certainly evident in the titles of the individual tracks. With such titles as “Pulse of America,” “Reflection Pools,” “Freedom Ring,” “Revere’s Ride,” “Hope (Vietnam),” “Spirit of ’76,” “Lincoln,” “Cherry Blossoms,” “Unknown Soldier,” “Korea” and “Jefferson” there’s absolutely no mistaking the intent. Carr, like most of us—especially in these troubling times of terrorism—is proud to be an American and proud to do what he can to stir patriotic sentiments in his listening audience. To a limited extent he is successful in this endeavor. Unlike most of Carr’s previous CDs (of which I’ve now reviewed four), we have, on this one, a few recognizable melodies—most notably “America the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” which is contained within “Spirit of ’76.” Interestingly, “Spirit,” composed in 1976, is Carr’s first-ever composition and it is the best cut on the record. It has more spirit, more substance, more variety, and is more rhythmic and even-flowing than any of his later compositions that I’ve heard.

With the recent upsurge in patriotism, Carr is undoubtedly hoping to make his contribution to the nation’s body of spiritually uplifting musical work and his efforts along these lines are commendable.