Album Notes

Laughing Buddha Records, a progressive, independent label based in midtown Manhattan, has released this extraordinary new CD from guitarist Michael Barry and Friends. The album features original arrangements of lullabies collected from around the world, including Tibet, Africa, Ireland, the United States, Cuba, and yes, even Tonga. Producers Rex Niswander and Michael Barry are donating half of the net proceeds from this record to Tibet Aid’s Precious Seeds Fund, which benefits orphaned, destitute and impoverished Tibetan children. This is the 13th release for the young label, and the charity tie-in represents a new direction for Laughing Buddha. Using this new release as a model, the label intends to continue releasing music that will benefit humanitarian and environmental causes.

Night Wheel features Michael Barry, director of both the American Institute of Guitar and the New York City Classical Guitar Society, two of New York’s most dynamic music institutions, on a variety of guitars from acoustic to baritone. He is joined by a collection of New York musicians on instruments ranging from bamboo flute to cello and mandolin. While soothing and relaxing for the very young, the album also provides a unique listening experience for moms and dads, as the music transports the listener with instruments and musical imagery suggestive of the lands from which these songs have come.