Skyburst explores the rich depths and deep tones of David Michael’s favorite instrument, the Celtic harp. Here he delivers a sumptuous suite born of solitude experienced during the Covid pandemic. Joined by a magnificent array of talented guest instrumentalists, he weaves a musical tapestry of deep yearnings and celebrations of the wild spirit.

Skyburst explores the rich depths and deep tones of David Michael’s favorite instrument, the Celtic harp. Here he delivers a sumptuous suite born of solitude experienced during the Covid pandemic. Joined by a magnificent array of talented guest instrumentalists, he weaves a musical tapestry of deep yearnings and celebrations of the wild spirit.

Conceived throughout the dark months of the pandemic, David’s composing served as a cathartic release and therapeutic respite from the isolation and the turmoil unfolding globally. Skyburst happily became a synthesis of big joy, deep dreams, and great gratitude. Many solitary wilderness explorations during this time inspired musical impressions of the natural beauty that still abounds—David’s wellspring for decades.

Made possible by a generous grant from benefactor, Kim Borgatta—who helped launch the Confluence Trio (Nancy Rumbel, David Michael, Benjy Wertheimer)—this follow-up recording is sparser and less ensemble oriented, mainly featuring the Celtic harp. Where Confluence was primarily born of the free-form improvisations of a new trio, Skyburst is a carefully composed suite, each movement highlighting a different mood of the harp, and enhanced by masterful guest appearances from an assortment of David’s long-time musical friends: Grammy Award winning oboe player Nancy Rumbel, tabla maestro Benjy Wertheimer, guitar virtuoso Michael Mandrell, cello wizard Jami Sieber, sarode master Richard Russell, former Seattle Symphony violist Gwen Franz, and Grammy Award winning bansuri flutist Steve Gorn.

David recorded on a 38-string Triplett Eclipse model made of bubinga wood—the harp of his dreams.