Give the Gift of Music and support artists - Part 1
Hi! The holidays are right around the corner. One of the things that has helped us get through this crazy year of 2020, which feels like it’s been going on for over twenty years now, is the arts… Music especially.
I can’t think of a better gift for you or your loved ones than music to listen to and to learn. Here are links to music of the artists that I have interviewed on my podcast. You can purchase these beauties directly from the artists’ pages so the money goes directly to them. Also, if you play piano the harp arrangements translate nicely to the piano.
Check out their interviews on my website or listen on:
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Listen on Spotify or Listen on Stitcher
And, please subscribe to the podcast. I’m happy to announce that my flagship podcast is being rebranded as, “HarpSong”. Join me over on Facebook in our discussion group. Meet the artists and chat with fellow harp fans.
www.facebook.com/groups/harpsongpodcast
Also, support your local booksellers if you can. Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for IndieBound independent booksellers and Oblong Books so I do get a small percentage of these purchases when you use the book links.
And if you like what I’m doing here, please consider becoming a supporter. You’ll get special content, discounts, and more: jemi.app/moonoverthetreesmusic&theatre
HARP
Janet has a new gorgeous album out called, “By Strangford Water” along with a book of sheet music from the album. This is Janet’s first fully original solo album of compositions since her debut album in 1985.
Janet’s website is filled with resources, books, and music. (My interview with Janet will be posted later this year.)
www.janetharbisonharp.com/shop/irish-harp-music-cds
William Jackson
You can download Billy’s sheet music collection, “Traditional Scottish Music” from The Sylvia Woods Harp Centerwww.harpcenter.com/product/william-jackson-harp-music-pdf-downloads/harp-music-books-celtic You can also find albums by William Jackson and Grainne Hambly on Bandcamp:
hamblyjackson.bandcamp.com/releases
You can purchase Grainne’s albums and sheet music from her website.
“Between the Showers” is one of my favorites of hers, but all of what she does is amazing.
And, you can find her work with William Jackson on bandcamp hamblyjackson.bandcamp.com/releases.
Get yourself a copy of Robbin’s album, “Just As I Am” on iTunes. This is a gorgeous album with songs of praise that will be sure to inspire you and is perfect for the holidays.
Kim was the first artist I got to interview on my podcast. All of her albums and arrangements are stellar, but if you are getting in the mood for Christmas you can’t go wrong with her, “Christmas Lullaby” album
“On this beautiful all solo Celtic harp recording Kim performs a wealth of seasonal pieces from all around the globe. From Scottish pieces such as Christ Child Lullaby, Balloo Lammy, Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming to evocative medieval hymns as St. Bridget’s, St. Basil’s and Plain chant.”
gourd-music.square.site/product/christmas-lullaby-cd/145?cs=true
Pick up Kim’s new book of songs, “Beauty Tunes”
“A new book in 2020 to bring beauty and comfort during these trying times! Here is a lovely collection of Celtic airs and hymns from Kim Robertson arranged for advanced-beginning, to intermediate solo harp.”
Maeve’s new album, “The Harpweaver”
“The Harpweaver hones in on the idea of artistic nostalgia. When we can’t be with those that we love; surely the next best thing is to experience the catharsis of familiar sounds? Notes and words that bring a sense of connection, possibility and joy.”
maevegilchristmusic.bandcamp.com/
www.maevegilchristmusic.com/listen
And pick up some of Maeve’s sheet music books as well
Rachel is a wonderful musician, performer, and educator. Her albums are filled with brightness and joy. If you like Scottish music and you want to find out more about Manx Music than look no further. Shop for Rachel’s new album, “Sparks”, along with her other albums and sheet music on her website:
Rachel also helps run the Edinburgh International Harp Festival. The 2021 festival will take place online on April 9th-12th.
BOOKS
Robbin, the Girl Who Didn’t Want to Practice"
Pick up a copy of the book, “Robbin, the Girl Who Didn’t Want to Practice” by Dorothy W. Carey. It tells the story of Robbin Gordon-Cartier as a little girl when she started taking harp lessons.
ljmichaels.weebly.com/robbin--the-girl-who-didnt-want-to-practice.html
Harp, magic, and the stars…
I have an upcoming interview with Shveta Thakrar, HarperTeen author of the new YA book, “Star Daughter”. Sheetal is half star/half human and
“has no choice but to answer the starsong and ascend to the sky. But her celestial family has summoned her for a reason: to act as their human champion in a competition to decide the next ruling house of the heavens.”
Sheetal loves to play the harp. There are also other magical beings in the book who play the harp.
Here’s a bit about Shveta from her goodreads.com bio:
“Shveta Thakrar is a writer of South Asian–flavored fantasy, part-time nagini, and full-time believer in magic. Her debut novel Star Daughter is out now from HarperTeen, and her short fiction and poetry have appeared in a variety of magazines and anthologies. When not spinning stories about spider silk and shadows, magic and marauders, and courageous girls illuminated by dancing rainbow flames, Shveta crafts, devours books, daydreams, travels, bakes, and occasionally even plays her harp.”
Keep up with Shveta: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Instagram
Consider purchasing her book from Indiebound or your local bookseller.
My good friends over at Kicks Books and Norton Records have a fabulous new release Mind Over Matter
The Myths and Mysteries of Detroit's Fortune Records
by Billy Miller and Michael Hurtt
While you are over at Kicks Books head on over to Norton Records for some amazing music. www.nortonrecords.com/