The Week In Reviews - Michael Kollwitz

Simon Barrett

Michael is one of the original pioneer players of the contemporary American stringed instrument known as The Chapman Stick. Capable of astounding expressiveness and simultaneous multi-part arrangements, ‘The Stick’ combines elements of guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion into one instrument that is played more like a piano than a guitar. Michael has had 23 independent releases. His last three albums, ‘Serenity I, II & III’ have received considerable international airplay, awards, nominations, and rave reviews. His music is also being played on airlines and in hundreds of U.S. hospitals on The CARE Channel. ‘Serenity III’ debuted in the Top Five on all three of the major New Age charts including Billboard twice: #3 in Jan ‘19 and #2 in Feb ‘19. ‘Serenity III’ also won a Silver Medal in the Global Music Awards in June 2019. ’Serenity II’ made the Billboard Top Ten New Age albums chart at #8 in 2018 in addition to receiving Grammy nomination consideration. At a chance meeting in Hawaii, Carlos Santana once described Michael’s music as “a gift of the heart” that made him feel good.