Track Listing and liner notes   

"Burmer's synthesizers shimmer and sparkle, burnished with tender reeds, trilling flutes and touches of mandolin and balalaika, powered, at times, by dynamic world beat percussion."

This album is a collection of Richard's works selected from previously released albums and original contributions to other collections.

Bhakti Point from "Bhakti Point"
This composition was inspired by the Hindu word "Bhakti", meaning the act of pure love and devotion. Then I thought of an imaginary place to be called "Bhakti Point" -- a place where all could come to gather for a magical, loving and sometimes surprising event.

Across the View from Chip Davis' "Sunday Morning Coffee"
This composition was brought about during the time spent at Glacier Point in Yosemite, September 1986. While returning home from this vacation, I was so moved by this place, I felt compelled to compose a piece of music that would always remind me of that special moment.

Curio Dance #2 from "Invention"
Music created from the thought of inanimate objects coming alive, each one with its own special story and character on display as if it was their premier debut, with a final reuturn to their natural shape and location.

Magellan from "On the Third Extreme"
Titled after Ferdinand Magellan but referring to all explorers and the spirit behind their drive. This drive is one of the reasons I create the music yoy hear.

Shining by the River from Chip Davis' "Romance"
In my younger years, I met a young lady named Debby. Since we both lived near a river which weaved between small towns and countrysides, these places would be our "getaway" spots. I remember an old abandoned mill, a place to simply hold hands, embrace and sometimes a kiss now and then. We could stay the entire day and never doubt the moments between each other. When I titled this piece "Shining by the River", I had thoughts as bright as the hearts of young lovers.

Willow Song from "Bhakti Point"
A theme made for days of relaxing on a hot summer afternoon under a willow tree, secure and content to drift away.

Downstream from Chip Davis' "Sunday Morning Coffee II"
Since relocating my family back to the Midwest, I've discovered a hobby I enjoyed as a youngster -- fishing. I do not do it to the level of the ultimate rod and reel or secret lure. I find myself satisfied, happy in finding a "lucky" spot and always dream of the magical one that could only be a short walk downstream.

Easter Eve from "Invention"
This originated with musical phrases that came to me during Easter some years ago. It was difficult completing the whole composition when it relates to such a high-level as resurrection and the night before.

Turning to You from "On the Third Extreme"
This piece was composed and recorded shortly after the birth of our daughter, Lindsay. The time of new parents, a new baby and a new way of living.

Walking Summer to Sleep from "Invention"
A composition dedicated to the season and its changes into Autumn. So if one could take summer like a large, theatrical curtain and draw it across time, or walk it as if it were an infant into its final state of rest, this would be the reason why this piece was created.

The Turn Again from "Bhakti Point"
A piece to acknowledge the cycle of life, rhythms in the body, rotation of the planet, and the oscillation of the universe.

Waking the Icons from "On the Third Extreme"
The setting is inside a Russian Orthodox Church. The piece opens with a theme for the Icons and their relationship to the church. All of the worshipers have left. Then a time comes when the church takes a breath and the Icons begin to come alive. Pulling themselves away from their bases, fixtures and walls, they gather together to follow in procession towards the altar. This will be their own mass tonight. A formal gathering in the light of God. They all return to their original placement as the Father enters for another day.

Closer Than Love from "Bhakti Point"
I composed this after hearing of my Grandmother, Francis Sabilonski, passing away. Remembering how special she was to me when I was young and how her encouragement towards my desire to create music will always stay with me. Thank you.