Hilary Stagg: A Tribute - Hilary Stagg

This beautiful, soothing recording was created as a tribute to the popular new age harpist who died suddenly after a brief illness in 1999. His story goes that he was an electrician who was so enthralled by an Andreas Vollenweider concert that he went out and bought a small harp and began learning to play. He began composing music in his sleep and was soon a popular artist who touched fans the way his inspiration had for years. This collection features eight classic tracks from his five recordings on Real Music, and all have a similar, easy rhythm, and a gentle and graceful melody combination that has been used as both relaxation and healing music. He indeed composed dreamy tunes (the Hiroshima-like "Dream Spiral" is a favorite), but he also created unique arrangements out of familiar pieces like "Pachelbel Canon in D." There are also tribute tracks from label mate Kevin Kern ("To Sleep on Angel's Wings"), Vollenweider (the folksy country-new age tune "Flight Feet and Root Hands"), and the mystical "Kindred Spirit" by the ensemble 2002. The booklet includes letters from fans who were either touched or healed by Stagg's music -- testament to a brief but potent legacy that shows the power of dedication and passion. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide