Himalaya might be David Parsons best CD. His albums rank near the top — consistently — each year when reviewers and other industry insiders publish “best of year” lists. This cross-cultural soundworld takes the best from modern electronics and Himalayan ethnicity. Parsons is a world-class composer, sound designer, and performer. His virtuosity on the synthesizer allows him to build ethnic atmospheres and soundscapes. On this album, he uses only his electronics. The ethnicity is real and heartfelt, but it is not native ethnicity. As usual, it is fair to compare Parsons only in terms of spiritual and emotional responses. His peers on those planes are Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Constance Demby, and Vidna Obmana. – Jim Brenholts