Album Review: Santa Plays the Stick by Michael Kollwitz

Having listened to and reviewed prior albums in his impeccably soothing Serenity trilogy, lifelong Chapman Stick player Michael Kollwitz dons more festive attire and gets into the Christmas spirit on his latest album, Santa Plays the Stick. An innovative stringed instrument created by Emmet Chapman, The Chapman Stick closely resembles the neck of a guitar, except that it’s played more like a piano.

Currently living in Sedona, Arizona, Kollwitz formerly resided in Hawaii for a time, and prior to that, in Sacramento, California. Naturally, the many breathtaking natural vistas, which encompass everything from the red rocks to the blue Pacific, are frequently conveyed through Kollwitz’ music, while his instrument often emits a warm and woodsy sound of which particularly on this album, seemingly evokes the warmth of a cozy fireplace, or a forest cabin in the winter.

Spanning approximately 50 minutes long, Santa Plays the Stick is comprised of 15 pacifying arrangements on solo Chapman Stick, with gentle layers and additional effects created via his instrument. He also lends playful improvised elements and a bit of leisurely twang throughout.

Opening with the peaceful lullaby, “Away In A Manger”, the album also includes several lovely renditions of other traditional carols such as “The First Noel”, “Angels We Have Heard on High”, and the tender finale, “Silent Night”. He also covers contemporary favorites like “Deck the Halls”, “The Twelves Days of Christmas” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.

Additionally, Kollwitz produced four compositions on this album that effectively capture the atmosphere of the winter season. The first of these, “Pile of Presents”, is aptly ornamented by an icy and sparkling effect throughout. He also impresses us with other originals like “Snow Ride”, “December Wedding” and “Basket Full of Joy”.

Finally, I appreciate how the album’s title and artwork conveys a sense of humor on the part of the artist, although make no mistake about it, Michael Kollwitz’ musical ingenuity and talent are not to be taken lightly.

Like finding a hot spring in the middle of an ice lake, Santa Plays the Stick is the perfect seasonal album to add warmth, joy and relaxation to your holiday listening experience! ~Candice Michelle


For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon, iTunes and other retail & streaming platforms.

Artist Spotlight: An Interview with Camille Nelson

We’re delighted to present an interview with Camille Nelson. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah and currently residing in Switzerland, Camille hails from a musical family with an opera singer mother, while her brother, Steven Sharpe Nelson is a member of the successful classical crossover group The Piano Guys. Camille plays both guitar and violin, including on her latest album Sacred Lullabies, which features an impressive line-up of guest vocalists. So please get comfortable in your own sacred space, tune in, and enjoy!

Music from the albums Sacred Lullabies and Lead Me Home can be heard throughout this interview.

Overview: Sacred Lullabies by Camille Nelson

Sacred Lullabies is the third album by guitarist and violinist Camille Nelson and her debut full-length release on the Heart Dance Records label. Raised in a musical family with an opera singer mother, Camille’s brother, Steven Sharpe Nelson, is also a member of the hugely successful classical crossover band The Piano Guys.

A flawless amalgamation of acoustic folk, neoclassical and contemporary Christian music with a light sprinkling of Celtic flavors, Sacred Lullabies gently alternates between inspirational vocal and lulling instrumental compositions. The amazingly talented team of female guest singers includes Kimberly Knighton, Britney Holman, Madilyn Paige, Stephanie Madison and Alex Sharpe, the latter being a former member of the international music phenomenon Celtic Woman, whose splendidly soaring vocals grace a gorgeous rendition of “Into the West” from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie soundtrack. Additionally, another one of Camille’s musically gifted brothers, Matthew John Nelson, joins his sister on violin for the classical-folkish instrumental piece “New World”.

Effectively creating a sacred space of enveloping warmth, spiritual comfort and steadfast inner strength, Sacred Lullabies is a top-tier album of authentically personal expression and exemplary musical arranging, as well as easily one of the finest releases this year! ~Candice Michelle


For more information please visit the artist's website. This album is also available at Amazon, Bandcamp and other retail and streaming platforms.