Product Description Laughing Buddha Records, a progressive independent label based in Connecticut, has released an extraordinary new CD from guitarist Michael Barry and Friends. Night Wheel features original arrangements of lullabies collected from around the world, including Tibet, Africa, Ireland, the United States, Cuba, and yes, even Tonga. Producers Rex Niswander and Michael Barry are donating 10% of the proceeds from this record to The Tibet Fund to support the Noenga School for Disabled Tibetan Children. This is the 13th release for the young label, and the charity tie-in represents a new direction for Laughing Buddha. Using this new release as a model, the label intends to continue releasing music that will benefit humanitarian and environmental causes. Night Wheel features Michael Barry, former director of both the American Institute of Guitar and the New York City Classical Guitar Society, two of New York s most dynamic music institutions, on a variety of guitars from acoustic to baritone. He is joined by international musicians on instruments ranging from bamboo flute to cello and mandolin. Although lullabies, this record is far from another run through of standard children s music sounds and selections. Soothing and relaxing for the very young, the album also provides a unique soundscape for adults, as the music transports the listener with lush instruments and sophisticated musical imagery suggestive of the lands from which these songs have come. Review Night Wheel is a wonderful CD that soothes the mind, body, and spirit. Michael Barry's arrangements of folk music from around the world are calming, reflective, and serene, while also being musically fulfilling. Some of the pieces, such as A Child is Born and Goodnight, will be familiar to many people, but most of the music has been rarely heard or recorded and certainly deserves recognition. This is a CD that is satisfying on many levels- from musicality to technique to knowing your purchase is making the world a better place. --Urban GuitarNight Wheel gives us license as adults to indulge and luxuriate in these lullabies. If these were candy they'd be rich, creamy chocolate. Be ready for the surprise nuances of melody and harmony. Each cut takes you to a place of wonder and this CD is truly a gift. Thank you to the producers who made this dream a reality; grateful thanks and admiration to the musicians, your art is majesty. --CD Baby
