Chapman Stick Player Michael Kollwitz Releases New Christmas Album Including Four Original Holiday Songs
(Sedona, Arizona)
With much free time during the summer months, Santa has been studying the Chapman Stick from virtuoso Stick player Michael Kollwitz. The result is Kollwitz’s cheerful new album which includes 15 tracks, four of which are new original holiday compositions, by Kollwitz.
The album will be released on November 15, 2019, which gives Santa plenty of time to get ready for his big trip on Christmas. Kollwitz is hoping for some new Stick strings in his stocking.
Known for composing peaceful instrumental music on “The Stick,” Michael Kollwitz's trilogy of albums, Serenity I, II & III, has made the Billboard Top Ten charts and has received significant airplay around the world. His music has received numerous international awards and nominations, and is heard frequently on Spa channels of many airlines, and in hospitals across the U.S. on the CARE Channel. Serenity II garnered consideration for a Grammy nomination, and Serenity III debuted in the top five of the world's New Age charts simultaneously. Seeing Kollwitz perform at an event in Hawaii, Carlos Santana was so impressed that he described Kollwitz's music as "a gift of the heart."
"If you've never heard the magical musical strains of the Chapman Stick, you're in for a treat. Melodic in a somewhat unconventional way, the Chapman Stick is played finger-style, like a guitar, but it has a particularly special sonic characteristic that invites introspection without succumbing to non-musical posturing. Difficult to describe in words, but oh so easy to enjoy, that is the beauty of the Chapman Stick in the right person's hands, as it is here. Kollwitz is a maestro." - Bill Binkelman, Music Retailing Insight Magazine
Off the album is the beautiful single, "Pile of Presents."
Currently, Michael's holiday song "Santa Plays The Stick," is charting at Number 4 on the Billboard New Age charts.
"Santa Plays The Stick" To Air On National Indie Radio
"Santa Plays The Stick" will be airing on National Indie Radio (WNIR) commencing December 1st through December 31st as part of BWH Music Group’s Holiday Radio Special. WNIR features the best independent artists in the world and is part of the highly selective and nationally renowned BWH Music Group platform. The Holiday Radio Special will feature original holiday songs as well as covers by exceptional independent artists. Station information can be found at www.wnir-radio.com
About Michael Kollwitz
Michael Kollwitz is one of the original pioneer players of the Chapman Stick, a contemporary American stringed instrument. Capable of astounding expressiveness, and simultaneous multi-part arrangements, “The Stick” is an amalgamation of elements of guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion into one instrument that is played in a way similar to piano.
As a recording artist, Michael has had 26 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 II made the Billboard top ten new age albums chart at #8 in 2018 in addition to receiving consideration for a Grammy nomination. Serenity III debuted in the top five on all three of the major new age charts including Billboard twice: #3 in January 2019 and #2 in February 2019. Serenity III also won a silver medal in the Global Music Awards in June 2019. Carlos Santana has described Michael’s music as “a gift of the heart.” For more information on Michael Kollwitz, please visit his website.
About BWH Music Group
BWH Music Group works with today's best emerging independent artists to achieve common goals in sound and artist promotions offering Recording Services, Compilation Releases, Music Public Relations, and National Indie Radio. A sought-after post-production studio for independent artists, "BWH Music Group has become synonymous with hosting some of the biggest and brightest young stars on their roster."- (GasHouse Radio).