Gentle Vespers is a timeless collection of beautiful lullabies for all ages. Multi-instrumentalist, Melinda Johnson, has crafted original arrangements featuring the concert pedal harp with various recorders, bowed psaltery, cello and percussion. Lyrics for each of these lullabies have been carefully researched and included for the listener’s enjoyment. These tender melodies, originating from such places as Ireland, England, Russia, the Isle of Man, even the region of Basque, are intertwined with the magical sounds of night. Crickets, bells, wind chimes, rain and even distant thunder carry the listener on a relaxing journey of quiet music for all ages.

This lovely instrumental recording is perfect for any setting. From meditation to dinner music, for introspective moments or romantic settings, Gentle Vespers provides a rich blanket of nurturing sounds. Diverse in its appeal, these soothing melodies have settled little-ones to sleep, relaxed stressed drivers, calmed frantic office settings and comforted families at times of sorrow. Currently in use at numerous hospitals, clinics and spas, leading practitioners within the healing arts are incorporating the magic of Gentle Vespers as an aid in relaxation and guided imagery for their patients and clients.

Song Titles
*Day Is Over-French; *Cradle Song-Russian; *Suo Gan-Welsh; *Golden Cradle-Irish; *Manx Lullaby-Isle of Man; *Sleep, Baby Sleep-German; *Ariana’s Lullaby-Yiddish; *Lambs Are Sleeping-English; Basque Lullaby; *Gaelic Cradle Song-Irish; *Golden Slumbers-English

Released through Fixed-Wing Productions

The Shepherd’s Carol is the perfect selection for the reflective moments of any season. These original arrangements of traditional carols feature the concert pedal harp with various recorders, cello, ethnic percussion and voice. Familiar and unusual melodies from such far-off regions as Basque, Burgundy, Austria and even the Ukraine are gently woven together throughout this beautiful recording.

Selected as one of Billboards top 100 independent Holiday CD’s, The Shepherd’s Carol, is a distinctive addition to every music collection. A unique volume of nearly a full hour of special music, Rembrandt’s magnificent painting ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ adorns the cover and carefully researched lyrics for each song are also included. Once again, multi-instrumentalist Melinda Johnson has created a timeless collection of relaxing music for all ages…and seasons, with The Shepherd’s Carol.

Song Titles
*Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella-French; *Still, Still, Still-German; *Pat-A-Pan-Burgundian; *The Sheperd’s Carol- Basque; *Hasten Now, O Shepherds-Columbian; *Good King Wensceslas-English; *Blessed Be That Maid Marie-English; *Gloria-Austrian; *Carol Of The Bells-Ukranian; *The Son Of Mary-Catalonian; *‘Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime-Huron Indian; *The Wassail Carol/I Say Three Ships-English; *Shepherd’s Cradle Song-Swedish; *While Shepherd’s Watched Their Flocks By Night-English; *Come All Ye Shepherds-Bohemian-Czech

Released through Fixed-Wing Productions

Cantico – this critically acclaimed recording by Duo Arioso serves up a feast of Early Music sumptuously arranged for flutes and harps. Flavored in the true Renaissance tradition, Cantico features lively and familiar works from the 13th to the 17th Centuries such as Estampie, Salterello, Hey Ho Nobody Home, The Cutty Wren and a rousing rendition of Henry Purcell’s Hornpipe. Romantically reflective selections are here as well with the timeless melodies of Robin, Light O’ Love/Romance, Three Ravens/Turtledoves and the 16th Century classic To Drive The Cold Winter Away. These flavorful arrangements include a unique array of instrumentation as the alto flute, flute, piccolo, the concert pedal harp, celtic & lap harps, as well as the cello and various percussion elements of the musical period. Cantico is truly a musical delight for all time!

Duo Arioso – features Flautist-Michelle Matsumune and Harpist-Melinda Johnson. This exciting musical duo maintains a varied repertoire ranging from early music to contemporary classics. Ms. Matsumune holds an MFA in Flute Performance from the California Institute for the Arts, while Ms. Johnson holds a BA in Music Performance and an MFA in Film from the American Film Institute. In addition to Duo Arioso, Michelle & Melinda are professional musicians who teach, record and perform extensively throughout the Los Angeles area.

Song Titles
*Woodycock; *Estampie; *Light O’ Love/Romance; *Quodling’s Delight/Pastime With Good Company; *Corne Yards; *To Drive The Cold Winter Away; *Cantico/Shandon Bells; *Hey, Ho Nobody Home; *Hornpipe; *Three Ravens/Turtledoves; *Tired Maggie; *Come Live With Me and Be My Love; *In These Delightful Pleasant Groves; *Hornpipe Rondo; *Aim Not Too High (Fortune); *The Cutty Wren; *Robin; *Salterello; *Canon; *Angelus ad Virginum

Released through Fixed-Wing Productions

Mediterranean Lullaby – adding to their award-winning series of World Music for Little Ears, Ellipsis Arts' latest title features lullabies from the Mediterranean region. Fixed Wing Productions' own multi-instrumentalist Melinda Johnson is featured, along with top recording artists of Italy, Spain, France, and Greece. Her recording of the Catalonian lullaby ‘The Son Of Mary’ encapsulates the mysterious sounds of this Mediterranean region.

All titles in the Ellipsis Arts ‘World Music for Little Ears’ series are Parent’s Choice Award-Winning. Over 150,000 copies have sold in this critically acclaimed series.

Song Titles
Nanourisma – Savina Yannatou / Greece Fais
Dodo – Alexandra Montano & Ruth Cunningham / France
*Duerme Negrito – Nadia Valiente & Costa / Spain
*Bo e la Rib o – I Giullari de Piazza / Italy
*Fils de la Terre – Cesar Berlanga & Mora Ankaro / France
*Nami, Nami Ya Zgherei – Bassam Saba / Lebanon
*Durme Hermoza Donzella – Judy Frankel & Jeff Warschauer – Island of Rhodes
*Sogni D’Oro, Sebastiano – John LaBerbara / Italy
*Laila Laila – Tanja Solnik / Isreal
*Nia, Nia – Alessandra Belloni / Italy
*Companas del Alba – Ricardo Cobo / Spain
*Ninni Mommo – Said Hakmoun / Morocco
*Au Clair de la Lune – Alexandra Montano & Luna Montano / France
*Entre Las Nubes Blancas – Cesar Berlanga & Mora Ankaro / Spain
*The Son of Mary – Melinda Johnson / Catalonia

Released through Ellipsis Arts

Mama’s Lullaby – this special collection of lullabies from around the world is filled with the soothing softness of a mother’s gentle voice. These authentic lullabies are performed by extraordinary women; mothers sharing their bedtime songs from homes as far away as Italy, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Israel and France. Harpist, Melinda Johnson’s interpretation of the popular Welsh lullaby, ‘Suo Gan’ is feature in this timeless collection.

All titles in the Ellipsis Arts ‘World Music for Little Ears’ series are Parent’s Choice Award-Winning. Over 150,000 copies have sold in this critically acclaimed series.

Song Titles
*Mba Mon – Marylou Seba / Caberoon
*Ninna Nanna Re La Rosa – Chiara Civello / Sicily
*Pro Caio Nanar – Silvia Nakkacb / Brazil
*Numi Numi – Tanja Solnik / Isreal
*I See the Moon – Lisa Sokolov / United States
*Il Valzer Del Moscerino – Marina Del Gaudio / Italy
*Berceuse d’Auvergne – Alexandra Montano / France
*An Colm – Padraigin Ni Uallacbain / Ireland
*Kotin’ka – Katia Lubinskaia / Siberia
*Mwanangu – Evica Azim / Zimbabwe
*Zavishu Ja Kolysochku – Lilia Pavlovsky / Ukraine
*Shikararete – Atsuko Yuma / Japan
*Nini La Tibkux Izjed – Natasha Grima / Malta
*Madhava Mama – Kala Iyer / India
*Nani Nani – Mirela Mibalache / Romania
*Suo Gan – Melinda Johnson / Wales

Released through Ellipsis Arts

The Sounds of Blackness / Time for Healing – Grammy-nominated

Not since Earth, Wind & Fire has a group so effectively blended spiritual themes with urban grooves. On their fourth release, this 25-year-old choir continues to deliver a smorgasbord of blues, jazz, hip hop and soul over a gospel base.

"Time for Healing" is cause for celebration," says one Rolling Stone writer. "It's especially satisfying that on the occasion of their twenty-fifth anniversary, Sounds of Blackness has released their most moving record to date. The ensemble has fashioned a powerful suite of songs, proving that radio-friendly music can be just as inspiring as it is irresistible - and just as hip as it is historical."

In a music scene crowded with confusion and mixed messages, Sounds of Blackness has consistently sought to bring out the best in its listeners. "Our message is hope," says Gary Hines, the group's director for the past quarter-century. "Our message is about healing individual’s hearts, healing our hearts, healing our nation, healing the family of nations.

The new, more urban-sounding Sounds of Blackness collaborates with rapper Craig Mack on "Spirit," Roger Troutman on "Hold On (Change Is Comin')," and with Kenny Gamble and the Ojay’s on Leon Huff's "Love Train."

Song Titles
*Africana
*Spirit
*We Are Gonna Make It Through (Part 1)
*Hold On (Change Is Comin')
*Love Will Never Change
*Love Train / God Cares
*Hold On (Don't Let Go)
*Crisis
*We Are Gonna Make It Through (Part 2)
*You Can Make It If You Try
*The Blackness Blues
*A Spiritual Medley
*So Far Away
*Familiar Waters – written by M. Johnson
*Time For Healing We Are Gonna Make It Through (Part 3)
*Kwanzaa-Umoja-Uhuru

Released through A&M/Perspective Records