Michael Johnson
"Dancing in the Garden"
(Lyrebird Music DGMJ003)

I fell in love with harp music back in 1983 when I heard Andreas Vollenweider's now classic album, Behind the Gardens, Behind the Wall-Under the Tree .

While Michael Johnson's recording shares a similar title, the resemblance ends there. Dancing in the Garden is uncluttered by overdubs and studio effects, leaning more towards contemplative improvisations, rather than highly orchestrated production techniques. After a couple of listens to the disc, this is one of the most accessible harp albums I've heard in a long time.

There are six songs on the album, all composed and recorded by Michael. The album was recorded live at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Australia, where Michael is Composer in Residence, and is interspersed with sounds of native birds singing in the trees surrounding Michael and his ensemble.

Michael is joined by two of Melbourne's finest musicians, Matthew Arnold on violin and Tim Blake on cello. Although the harp is the dominant instrument, Michael also plays guitars, recorders, bass, keyboards, and percussion on the disc.

Michael Johnson's classical instincts and his passion for the harp are vividly displayed on this very inviting recording.

Review by Ben Kettlewell

information:
website: http://www.lyrebirdmusic.celestial.com.au/