Philip Boulding: Harp - Song of Reconciliation

This album will make you fall in love with the harp!  Boulding's lilting melodies and gentle spirit shine through this enchanting collection of beautiful music.  A harp builder himself, Boulding performs on both nylon strung and steel strung harps.  He is also in a wonderful musical partnership with his wife, hammered dulcimer player, Pam Boulding under the name Magical Strings.  RC

Harpestry

An intriguing sampling of styles and artists on this sometimes elegant, sometimes mystical instrument. No overview of this instrument would be complete without contributions by Andreas Vollenweider, Patrick Ball, and the Chieftains' harpist, the late Derek Bell. RC

Lisa Lynne: Daughters of the Celtic Moon

Lynne's contemporary approach to the tradition of Celtic Harp breathes new life into this magical instrument.  She has been recording for Windham Hill since 1998 after stints in several groups both here in the states and abroad. RC

Andreas Vollenweider: Caverna Magica

Vollenweider took the world by storm back in the 80s when Carly Simon first "discovered" him and introduced his music to the public.  He has stayed true to his signature sound over the years playing in a very chordal and percussive style on an instrument that is usually played in a more arpeggiated and gentle way.  He also revolutionized the sound of the instrument by installing individual pickups on each of the strings and using effects to make the sound shimmering and rich.  Caverna Magica is one of his first recordings and a good example of his unique sound and style. RC

Peter Sterling: Harp Magic

Sterling draws much of his inspiration for his harp music from the mystical surroundings of the red rock canyons of Sedona, AZ.  His music incorporates elements of Celtic, Asian, and Latin  traditions with lush accompaniments featuring silver and bamboo flutes, violin, Spanish and steal string guitars, saxophone, Irish penny whistle, exotic percussion and heavenly vocal textures. RC

John Doan: Eire

Wait a minute!  John plays the guitar, no?  Yes, the harp guitar.  This unique instrument is enjoying a renaissance in the current acoustic music scene with innovative musicians like Doan, the late Michael Hedges, William Eaton and others finding new creative ways to use the tremendous capabilities of this unusual instrument in fresh new ways.  It seems only fitting to include John's very harp-like approach to the Harp Guitar in this Essential Collection.  This recording features an exciting collection of original compositions written expressly by Doan for his unique version of this instrument.  While many harp guitars feature the standard six string guitar neck with a series of bass strings added below the low E string, Doan's instrument also features a series of higher pitched strings above the high E as well giving the instrument a broad range and endless possibilities.  In his adept hands, it is as captivating and hauntingly beautiful as any traditional harp.  RC