A couple of weekends ago, my wife, Tammy, and I went to Moab.

It was a much-needed break and the weather was perfect — not a cloud in the sky and it wasn't too hot nor too cold.

Every time we embark on any kind of road trip — even if we're just driving around the city — we take music that fits the journey.

I was originally going to put in some Grateful Dead, Bob Marley and Phish, but that changed when I decided to listen to pianist Jim Brickman's new one, the deluxe version of "Beautiful World."

I enjoy Brickman's work. His playing has an innocence to it that brings to mind sunny days, starry skies and worlds full of wonder.

Since Tammy and I were going to Moab — one of the most wondrous places on Earth, in my opinion — I put the CD in.

It was the perfect soundtrack for the drive.

The disc starts off with Brickman's version of "Simple Gifts," which is one of Tammy's favorite pieces. And the bright chords and arpeggios seemed to ride the sunlight as we drove up the canyon to Soldier Summit. It was as if we were getting back to the simple things in life.

"River's Edge" was another perfect song as we followed the Price River through Price Canyon, as was the fresh breath of "In the Mountain Air." Furthermore, the leaves were changing, splashing the mountains in reds, yellows and oranges.

One work that also felt right on the trip was "Wedding Bells." The grace and beauty of the piece fit because Tammy and I were in Moab a little more than nine years ago when I proposed to her.

As with other Brickman CDs, "Beautiful World" features a handful of musical guests.

Jon Secada sings the sublime "What a Wonderful World" in both English and Spanish, and Orla Fallon pays tribute to our country and its heroes with the sweeping "My Land."

That song takes on more meaning because on Oct. 6 Brickman was honored with an American flag that had flown over Afghanistan in an Afghan National Army Mi-17 helicopter, which was transporting the remains of two ally Afghan soldiers who were killed on duty.

The pilot, Lt. Col. J. Olaf Holm of the U.S. Air Force, said the flag was in thanks for Brickman's special kindness and peace.

Secada and Fallon join Melinda Doolittle, Mark Masri and Brickman's childhood friend Anne Cochran on Hal David and Burt Bacharach's gospel-esque "What the World Needs Now."

String master Tracy Silverman adds his lacings and production to "Simple Gifts," "Noche Pacifica," "Island Paradise" and "Lotus Blossom." Guitarists Rene Toledo and Mark Casstevens let their fingers talk during "Carnivale" and "Island Paradise," respectively.

While all of the pieces sparkle, the album's gem is the first single (and CD title track), "Beautiful World (We're All Here)," which features lead vocals by singer/songwriter Adam Crossley.

Picturesque lyrics about "strawberry lips," "starlit seas" and "falling asleep under the cherry tree," in addition to the sing-along chorus, is needed today in a world of angst and hate.

After hearing the CD a few times on the trip to and from Moab, it's easy to understand why it became hit No. 1 on Billboard's New Age Album chart. In fact, "Beautiful World" is Brickman's 14th No. 1 CD, which ties him to Mannheim Steamroller.

My favorite Jim Brickman CD has always been his 1994 debut "No Words." But "Beautiful World" is slowly taking over that spot in my heart.

e-mail: scott@desnews.com