Pachelbel's Canon in D, probably one of the world's most recognizable melodies and certainly one of its most recorded, receives an atmospheric and New Age treatment on this eminently listenable CD. Victor Friedberg, who cites John Cage as a teacher and mentor, uses various electronic and world-beat elements to add new spice to the classic canon. Fitting in nicely with Six Degrees Records' mission "to discover unique sonic atmospheres from around the world ... that are often impossible to categorize, but always accessible," these seven meditations include synthesized rhythmic loops, gentle washes of reverberant sound, and Jennifer Rhys Davies's remarkable soprano voice. "Finale" returns to a simple piano rendition of the familiar melody, serving as a traditional end to an otherwise thoroughly modern, electronic treatment. --Wally Shoup