Album Notes

Simple Gifts is...

The Lindsay family: Mary, who serves as office manager for a medical staffing agency. Gerry, who contracts with various cities in the Puget Sound area to write minutes for city councils, boards and commissions. Jordan, who is a fifth and sixth teacher. Lianna, a senior aviation and business major. Mike Riston, husband and father of two, who is a computer programmer working for a company that develops bar code labeling software. Janice Richardson, wife and mother of three, who serves her community as a beautician.


About our instruments...

Mary, Jordan and Lianna play soprano, alto and tenor Hohner recorders made in Germany. In addition, Mary plays a Celtic harp made by Dusty Strings in Seattle, Jordan plays the mandolin, and Lianna plays the flute and autoharp. Gerry plays mandolin and a steel-strung handmade guitar crafted by his friend David Lackey.

Mike plays a hammered dulcimer made by Masterworks of Denver, Colorado. The steel strings are sounded by striking them with wooden "hammers." Mike is also proficient at hand cooing, or making music with his hands.

Janice plays a Gemeinhardt silver flute, a bamboo panflute, and a Shaw low D pennywhistle, as well as the guitar.

About our group...

Simple Gifts of the Northwest has been performing since 1986, and our Christ-centered instrumental music has touched the hearts of many. Our name is based not on the old Shaker hymn but rather on the fact that God has given everyone simple gifts with which to praise His name. Our three recordings, Moonlight, Sunlight, Closer to Home, include collections of traditional and original music.