"Celtic Harps, Flutes, Recorders, Pennywhistle, Bowed Psaltery, Guitar and beautiful vocal harmonies will transport you to another place and time!" ************Member of THE FOLK ALLIANCE, BMI, THE NY SONGWRITERS CIRCLE**********Jay and Abby Michaels -The Harper and The Minstrel are a Celtic/Folk/Renaissance duo specializing in aires and ballads with an occasional jig or reel, many of their own original songs and music from the Baroque and Renaissance periods. Their influences include early music from Europe and the Celtic lands, Loreena McKennitt, Yes, Sting, The New World Renaissance Band, Cantiga and Led Zeppelin. They have recorded several CD's together including:FOR A MOMENT
THE LAST DAY OF THE FAIRE
EVENING IN THE ENCHANTED GLADE
THE CIRCLE OF FAE
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS *******Husband and wife team of Jay and Abby Michaels have performed together since 2002 after meeting in 1998 while Jay was performing as a solo Harper at a Medieval Festival at Hammond Castle on the north shores of Massachusetts. The meeting quickly developed into a deep friendship and was the inspiration to perform and record together. Jay and Abby were married in 2005 and reside in Southern Massachusetts.******Jay plays the nylon and wire-strung Celtic Harps, Guitar and he sings. Abby sings, plays Flutes, Recorders, Pennywhistles, Guitar, Harp and Bowed Psaltery. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Anna Maria College, Jay has taught Guitar, Piano and Harp. He has performed in various musical ensembles over the past thirty years including several acoustic rock duos, a 20-piecs big band, choral groups, community bands and, as a solo Harper, for weddings, restaurants and Renaissance Festivals. Abby earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Westfield State College where she studied opera. She has taught music in the public and private schoool systems, and has also taught recorder and voice privately. Abby's performance background includes rock bands and various choirs, she was a popular soloist for church services.*******The Harper and The Minstrel have performed at Renaissance Festivals and Coffee Houses in Florida, Arizona, California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and all over New England. They have also played at Celtic and Folk Festivals, Irish pubs, restaurants, open mic events, farmers' markets, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and for weddings and private parties.*******In addition to winning the 2007 Soule Homestead Emerging Artist Showcase, held in Middleboro, MA, The Harper and The Minstrel have had favorable CD reviews appear in "Celtic Beat", "Renaissance" and "Faerie" magazines and have also appeared on both radio and television programs.
*******
If you enjoy the music of Loreena Mckettitt, Celtic Women and Solas, you'll love the music of Jay and Abby Michaels - The Harper and The Minstrel!***************************************************
************************"Jay & Abby Michaels are a breath of fresh air in the world of music. What's new about them is an ancient approach to songs, instrumented with a Celtic harp and flute. It's a lovely sound played by two very talented musicians. Their repertoire is wide, filled with songs you might expect... Celtic, traditional, olde English ballads, and delightful originals that feel like they've been sung for hundreds of years, by the Fairy Folk. Then equally accomplished, they turn their attention to something more modern, like a song by "Yes".
They've been coming to my Open Mic in New Bedford MA for a couple years, and the audience is always delighted by what they bring. Lovely melodies, and sweet vocals by Abby with harmonies by Jay. Occasionally they pull out a guitar, too. I've always found them to be delightful folks whose music is a nice change of pace from the usual guitar player after guitar player that makes up an Open Mic.
I've also seen them at the King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA and found they shine there as well. Whether on stage, or strolling the grounds as Renaissances musicians "The Harper and the Minstrel", they continue to share music they obviously love... much to the delight of the Faire's patrons.
Spend time with them, and listen to their music... whether in person or on CD... and you will become a fan, too."
-Art Tebbetts
"New Bedford's Troubador"
Host of the Cafe Arpeggio weekly Open Mic
************************************************************
***************CD Review for "Evening in the Enchanted Glade...Instrumental Celtic and Renaissance Music" from the Fall 2006 Celtic Beat Magazine...I have to admit I like this new CD by The Harper and The Minstrel among the best from local artists. The tunes here are well integrated with each other, from Jay Michaels' own compositions, to traditional Scots tunes to O'Carolan standards. Among the latter I particularly like the excellent "Fanny Power" and "Planxty John Irwin." Also an appealing "Planxty Burke." And "Irish Washerwoman," and "The Aire of Londonderry" where the duo take these time honored tunes and does something a little different here. Also in the now oldie "Scarborough Faire" where Jay has a nice harp solo. And as in the opening and title cut where he sets the tone. This release comes to a great finale with a haunting beautiful "Skye Boat Song" showcasing Abby Michael's flute.
This is an excellent CD for anyone who appreciates musical craftsmanship. The kind that gives you serenity. -AK
************************************************************
***************Here's what the Autumn 2006 issue of Faerie Magazine said about the CD "The Last Day of the Faire"...The Last Day of the Faire is the fourth CD from The Harper and the Minstrel. Jay and Abby Michaels, a husband and wife duo based in New England, perform at area Renaissance Festivals, Irish Pubs and coffee houses.
With lilting vocals, hypnotic harp, and occasional guitar and flute evoke the sensation of a warm spring day spent in an enchanted place, or perhaps a wooded glade conjured in fantasy. The lovely material is performed in traditional styles and keys, lending to an old-world feel to the arrangements. While many artists strive to appeal strictly to the modern ear, the Michaels adeptly create the feel of the ancient traveling minstrels with their simple and soulful sounds.
Of fifteen tracks on this compilation, five - including the title song -- are composed by the Michaels, and transport the listener to a land of faeries and fantasy. The remainder are traditional English and Irish folk songs, including such favorites as
"Once I Had a Sweetheart", "The Blacksmith", "Carrickfergus" and "The Wild Rover."
Myspace Layouts - Flowers Myspace Layouts
Myspace Codes -
Myspace Generators -
Myspace Backgrounds
This video of the original Jay Michaels composition "The Hobbit Drinking Song" was recorded live at the Florida Renaissance Festival Final Pub Sing Feb 22, 2009, Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Jay and Abby Michaels - The Harper and The Minstrel are joined onstage by guest musicians Martyn Wylde, Tree McInnis, & Siobhan Blackdove of Wyldefyre and Faith, Charity and Bunnie of The Limeybirds.
This video was shot and produced by SeaWolfSong
Southern Connecticut Renaissance Festival July 2008 Jay and Abby Michaels perform "Come by the Hills"
