Pianist and keyboard player Missa Johnouchi is certainly accomplished enough as a player and arranger, and her idea of blending Western new age melodies and Chinese instrumentation from the Li-Hua Ensemble makes for an exotic mix. The problem, if it really is one, is that the melodies she composes are a little too pretty and sweet. You bite into one and it's all air, without any substance or depth. However, while that might not be too satisfying in the long-term, it does mean that Road to Oasis makes good background music. The Eastern instruments do catch the ear -- although they, too, play in a very Western style -- with the unmistakable pipu and erhu. But while there are touches of Eastern promise, the record never delivers on its possibilities. The spiritual connection between new age and the East is obvious, but really never gets explored before a few mild spices (and the incense sticks in the jewel box). It's a shame, because the quality of playing is there, with both "The Last Caravan" and "Moon Over the Border" being standouts of touch. Of course, the gossamer quality of the touch ends up being too lightweight, as stated. But for your next dinner party, it could be the perfect soundtrack.