The skilled guitar playing of Sharon Isbin sets the tone for this multi-tracked album, with many of the songs broken down into suites and movements.  Most songs are arranged from earlier classic works like the four-tracks of “Four Renaissance Lute Works” that includes a five minute rendition of the lovely “Greensleeves.”  Within the magnificent “Joan Baez Suite, Op 144,” Isbin works a meditative version of Pete Seeger's “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.”  In addition, she brings in original flower girl, Joan Baez to lend her vocals to several tunes (“Wayfaring Strangers,” “Go 'Way From My Window”).

Isbin enlists the country fiddle of American Roots violinist master, Mark O'Connor within the confines of her 13 part “Strings & Threads Suite.”  This twists the style of Journey to the New World to a more lively manner, but still classically presented, thereby highlighting the intended story and flow of the album.

Sharon Isbin plays with a softness that is at once pleasant to hear and relaxing to the soul.  It transitions into a more Americana style from the original Old World classicism that it begins with.  However, Isbin's Journey to the New World should be listened to loudly and immersed in rather than allowing it to slip into the background.

You'll have little problem with finding much to like about Sharon Isbin and her unique new album with a lot to musically say.