FROM THE CD COVER
The "three mystical moods of music" played by the harpers of ancient Ireland were highly regarded, and of these the most revered was "Suantrai," the music of repose. In its highest form, this music reached deeply into the heart, bringing the soul to a state of profound stillness and peace. At each new birth, a window opens momentarily to the spiritual world, filling us with a wonder that transcends day-to-day life. The joy of grandparenthood has inspired us to put together this compilation of our favorite lullabies, along with three new pieces, two in honor of our granddaughters: Rowan, born to our son Brenin and his wife Sara; and Kailey, born to our eldest son Geoffrey and his wife Erin. As I held Rowan for the first time, I pondered again the mysteries of birth and music. When I reluctantly gave this beautiful child back to her mother, I began to play my harp, and Rowan's Welcome came forth. Two months later, Kailey was born. When Pam flew east to visit them, Lullaby for Kailey became my consolation while longing to be with them.

Early one morning when I was upstairs in our studio recording Rowan's Welcome, the birds began singing. I felt as though they were responding to my harp music, so I stepped outside and recorded them. I found myself in the midst of one of nature's grand symphonies as the birds' song echoed back and forth across the pasture and through the ancient fir trees of Magic Hill. Their music opens and closes the album.