Welcome to our monthly column where we share impressions and uniquely evocative (meaning they will hopefully "touch you" in a special way) recordings worth seeking out and sampling.

Here's three new noteworthy releases worth checking out and adding to your music collection. All are highly recommended and receiving heavy radio airplay on our nationally syndicated radio program, Musical Starstreams.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Frosty (WAVEFORM 86104) (67 min). One of the years best releases, Frosty examines the hard to categorize world of electronic Acid Jazz, Trip Hop and Smooth Jazz. Very European and cutting edge yet extremely palatable. Chill before serving. Ten tracks from the UK's and Europe's most proficient musical mavens in the above genres. Check out the adventurous "F for Fake" from Beach Flea, complete with sampled Orson Wells. The Sade sounding "Falling" by Mr. Electric Triangle has Smooth Jazz written all over it. Will radio understand? The album cover art of a very chilled buffalo is alone worth the price of admission. Frosty is as fresh and cool as they come. You need this one.

PANGEA - Pangea (EAST WEST/WORLD 61947) (42 min). Once upon a time at the beginning of earth, all was one continent. Its name was Pangea. Dan Lacksman, one of the co-creators and producers of the first Deep Forest album, returns with what probably should have been the second Deep Forest album. Unfortunately for Deep Forest or fortunately for Lacksman, instead it's Pangea, another fresh sounding, spirited journey through sampled Native African voices and dance rhythms. Although it's true that Pangea, while following the original Deep Forest formula, breaks no new ground, that's not necessarily a bad thing as the first Deep Forest has sold more than two million copies worldwide. You'll find the same smooth, catchy African voices combined with exotic world-flavored rhythms. Standout tracks include the arty "Tanganyika Secret," the mellow "Sanza's Spirit" and the appetizing "Back to Kirisoke." If you're looking to continue the original Deep Forest journey, this album does it well.

STEVEN HALPERN & SURU - Afro-Desia (INNER PEACE SRXD 9004) (70 min). Internationally acclaimed sound healer, composer and recording artist Steven Halpern teams with late Nigerian Master Drummer Suru to present one of Steven Halpern's freshest albums yet. Decidedly more energetic than what Halpern has been known for throughout the years, Afro-Desia has an exotic worldly flavor, thanks in large part to Suru's lively percussion. Jai Uttal also stops by with a special guest appearance on synth guitar on the title track. All in all, this album offers a generous, moving seventy-minute listening experience. Sadly, Suru will not be around on this plane for a sequel. Catch some of his best recorded work on Afro-Desia.

Please always remember that ultimately what constitutes "good" music involves the personal taste of each of us. If we direct you to an album that you didn't know existed and you end up enjoying it, then we both feel a sense of accomplishment. As always, your input is welcome, feel free to write in care of this publication.

FOREST is the producer and host of the nationally syndicated weekly radio program, MUSICAL STARSTREAMS (heard locally every Sunday night from 10pm to midnight on WNUA, 95.5fm) and can be reached at PO Box 1409, Mill Valley, CA 94942. E-mail: forest@well.com. Musicians or labels wishing to send material for review or airplay are advised that because of the huge volume already received, only compact disc releases will be considered.