~In loving memory of Randy Mead~ In August of 2012 I lost my friend and music partner of 40 years, flutist Randy Mead, to a heart attack. Many of the instruments I have taken up through the decades were by his suggestions – a few were actually his own inventions. He opened my ears to early music and worldwide styles and was a steadfast companion on and off stage. Above the Clouds is dedicated to him as his influence on my music was profound. The guitar/flute orientation on this recording seems appropriate, reminding me of the inspiration of our early years before I began playing the harp. As I developed this suite, I felt his spirit with me, whispering ideas into my ears. Randy, if you can hear the music, I hope you are smiling... -David Michael. The Musicians: DAVID MICHAEL – Guitar, hammered-dulcimer, Celtic harps, piano, zither, bowed-psaltery STEVE GORN – Bansuri (bamboo flute) ANN LINDQUIST – Alto, bass & contrabass flutes BENJY WERTHEIMER – Esraj (19-string bowed instrument) GWEN FRANZ – viola, violin PAUL BECKER – Soprano, alto and tenor recorders JOE BRESKIN – Domra (Ukrainian string bass instrument) SIMON LYNGE – Brushes on cymbal & snare drum *Cover photo: c 2014 by Darlisa Black *Recorded and mastered by Neville Pearsall at Synergy Sound, Port Townsend WA *Mixed by David Michael and Neville Pearsall *Graphic design for CD by Andrew Ratshin at NW Discs, Seattle WA *Conceived, composed, improvised and produced by David Michael *Special thanks to all the musicians for their heartfelt melodic contributions, to Daniel Liu for the “high strung” strings and to Dari Lewis Michael for invaluable suggestions and assistance. Instrumentation by track: ABOVE THE CLOUDS (5:06) David Michael – guitar, Celtic harp, zither & piano Steve Gorn – bansuri flute Gwen Franz – viola Ann Lindquist – contrabass flute SOARING (4:01) David Michael – hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp & piano Ann Lindquist – contrabass flute & bass flute FOR RANDY (3:53) David Michael – guitar Benjy Wertheimer – esraj CIELO CAROSELLO (6:36) David Michael – hammered dulcimer, guitar, Celtic harp & zither Gwen Franz – viola & violin Simon Lynge – brushes CLOUD WATCHING (5:17) David Michael – piano, Celtic harp & bowed psaltery Gwen Franz – viola Ann Lindquist – bass flute DANCING ON AIR (3:11) David Michael – guitar, Celtic harp, zither & rain stick Steve Gorn – bansuri flute ECHOES (1:33) David Michael – hammered dulcimer Gwen Franz – violin Ann Lindquist – contrabass flute ALPINE FLOWERS (4:26) David Michael – guitar & Celtic harp Gwen Franz – viola Ann Lindquist – bass flute THE ARRIVAL (2:16) David Michael – hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp & zither Paul Becker – soprano, tenor & alto recorders Ann Lindquist – alto flute SHAMAYIM (4:59) David Michael – piano & zither Benjy Wertheimer – esraj TANGERINE SKY (3:17) David Michael – guitar, Celtic harp, zither & rattle Ann Lindquist – bass flute Joe Breskin – domra PROMISE OF A RAINBOW (2:51) David Michael – hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp & zither Ann Lindquist – contrabass flute & base flute MEADOW BREEZE (6:02) David Michael – guitar, Celtic harp & zither Steve Gorn – bansuri flute Gwen Franz – viola Ann Lindquist – contrabass flute SKY CARNIVAL (2:32) David Michael – piano, zither & bowed psaltery Gwen Franz – viola Ann Lindquist – contrabass flute & alto flute Joe Breskin – domra MOON CRADLE (3:49) David Michael – guitar & zither Benjy Wertheimer – esraj BEYOND THE VEIL (3:22) David Michael – zither Steve Gorn – bansuri flute “Superb! Exotic textures and moodscapes to put the listener in a contemplative and relaxed state. Gorgeous, peaceful resting places for your mind, heart, body and soul.” -Chris Lunn, founder of Victory Review