The Heart of the Harp

Heart of the Harp is a masterwork by a man who has played stringed instruments for over 45 years. In this emotion-laden recording, we hear David Michael in his element. He is at one with his forte, the Celtic harp, an instrument he has performed on internationally for over 20 years.

Heart of the Harp is David's 13th and most pristine sounding CD to date. Most of his releases feature the harp, usually in consort with other musicians, notably flutist, Randy Mead, in world-fusion and other genres. On this CD, David invites sarodist Rick Henderson to play a duet with him on the epic final piece, Methow Reverie.

The sarode, a 25-string fretless lute from North India, is one of the most beautiful instruments in the world. A long time disciple of the great sarode master Ali Akbar Khan, Rick is a prolific composer, performer and recording artist in his own right. He and David Michael have collaborated in the past. Most notably, Rick's sarode playing on Michael & Mead's Flight of the Magicians, from their Petals in the Stream CD, helped propel that recording to international acclaim.

This CD is over 63 minutes long, very gentle and pristine. The first 9 pieces are solo harp and the last piece, 'Methow Reverie' has a second instrument join me for a duet: My old friend Rick Henderson plays sarode, a beautiful 25 stringed fretless lute. Too early for reviews, but I think this is my best harp performance yet captured on a recording. Check it out!