Jim Brickman is the ambassador of amour; he composes, performs and records love songs on his piano — "Valentine" is his signature — and now he's an undisputed master of adult contemporary music.

His new CD, "Beautiful World," is loaded with feel-good, happy, uplifting moods and he'll kick off its release with an appearance and Q&A at 1 p.m. today at Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center.

We posed our own Q&A by phone:

Q. Why are you here only for a CD launch — and not a concert?

A. "We're going to the Philippines; so it's on the way. I tried, but couldn't (arrange) a concert. But I certainly want my fans in Hawaii to know I have a new album."

Q. Amid a struggling economy, threats of swine flu, clouds of foreclosures and furloughs, is it easy to make folks feel good?

A. "My music is more purposeful than ever, because it provides relief and escape; you know, some daydreams. My songs are a respite from all of the badness. But it's also the way I write; it comes naturally. I'm not trying to be an optimist."

Q: You tackle a couple of worldly songs, including "What the World Needs Now Is Love" and "What a Wonderful World." How come you excluded "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," because you do have the romantics in your palms?

A: "The 'world' theme is influenced by all the traveling I do, which opens my mind to beautiful sounds I hear. Places are influential; 'Island Paradise' (a track on the CD) originally was called 'Hanalei Bay,' a place I loved (on Kauai), but the record company said it was too specific so we changed the title."

Q: How do you live out of a suitcase?

A: "I am an excellent traveler; I have black or brown belts and shoes. No linen; wrinkles. Winter is tough on travel; sweaters take a lot of space."

Q: Boxers or briefs?

A: "Either."