The Harper and the Minstrel are the husband and wife team of Jay and Abby Michaels. They have been performing Celtic, Folk, Renaissance and Rock music together since 2002.
The couple met in 1998 When Jay was performing as a solo Harper at a Medieval Festival at the Hammond Castle on the North Coast of Massachusetts. The two became fast friends and began performing together a few years later. They were married in 2005.
Jay plays the both the nylon and wire-strung Celtic Harps, Guitar and he sings. Abby sings, plays Flutes, Recorders, Pennywhistles, Guitar, Harp and Bowed Psaltery. Together they perform traditional and popular music from the Celtic lands and beyond, Renaissance, Baroque and Folk tunes, Acoustic Classic Rock and original compositions.
Their songlist leans towards gentle aires and ballads.
They have recorded five CD's together.
The Harper and the Minstrel were winners of the 2007 Emerging Artist Showcase at the Soule Homestead in Middleboro, Massachusetts.
The Harper and the Minstrel have appeared at Renaissance Festivals and Coffee Houses in Florida, Arizona, California, New York, Pennsylvania and all over New England. They have also played at Celtic and Folk Festivals, Irish Pubs, Nursing Homes, Restaurants and for Weddings and private parties.
Abby and Jay have spent their lives studying and performing Music. Both have BA's in that field. Both have been performing in various musical groups since High School.
"Jay & Abby Michaels are a breath of fresh air in the world of music. What's new about them is an ancient approach to songs, instrumented with a Celtic harp and flute. It's a lovely sound played by two very talented musicians. Their repertoire is wide, filled with songs you might expect... Celtic, traditional, olde English ballads, and delightful originals that feel like they've been sung for hundreds of years, by the Fairy Folk. Then equally accomplished, they turn their attention to something more modern, like a song by "Yes".
They've been coming to my Open Mic in New Bedford MA for a couple years, and the audience is always delighted by what they bring. Lovely melodies, and sweet vocals by Abby with harmonies by Jay. Occasionally they pull out a guitar, too. I've always found them to be delightful folks whose music is a nice change of pace from the usual guitar player after guitar player that makes up an Open Mic.
I've also seen them at the King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA and found they shine there as well. Whether on stage, or strolling the grounds as Renaissances musicians "The Harper and the Minstrel", they continue to share music they obviously love... much to the delight of the Faire's patrons.
Spend time with them, and listen to their music... whether in person or on CD... and you will become a fan, too."
-Art Tebbetts
"New Bedford's Troubador"
Host of the Cafe Arpeggio weekly Open Mic
CD Review for "Evening in the Enchanted Glade...Instrumental Celtic and Renaissance Music" from the Fall 2006 Celtic Beat Magazine...
I have to admit I like this new CD by The Harper and The Minstrel among the best from local artists. The tunes here are well integrated with each other, from Jay Michaels' own compositions, to traditional Scots tunes to O'Carolan standards. Among the latter I particularly like the excellent "Fanny Power" and "Planxty John Irwin." Also an appealing "Planxty Burke." And "Irish Washerwoman," and "The Aire of Londonderry" where the duo take these time honored tunes and does something a little different here. Also in the now oldie "Scarborough Faire" where Jay has a nice harp solo. And as in the opening and title cut where he sets the tone. This release comes to a great finale with a haunting beautiful "Skye Boat Song" showcasing Abby Michael's flute.
This is an excellent CD for anyone who appreciates musical craftsmanship. The kind that gives you serenity. -AK
Here's what the Autumn 2006 issue of Faerie Magazine said about the CD "The Last Day of the Faire"...
The Last Day of the Faire is the fourth CD from The Harper and the Minstrel. Jay and Abby Michaels, a husband and wife duo based in New England, perform at area Renaissance Festivals, Irish Pubs and coffee houses.
With lilting vocals, hypnotic harp, and occasional guitar and flute evoke the sensation of a warm spring day spent in an enchanted place, or perhaps a wooded glade conjured in fantasy. The lovely material is performed in traditional styles and keys, lending to an old-world feel to the arrangements. While many artists strive to appeal strictly to the modern ear, the Michaels adeptly create the feel of the ancient traveling minstrels with their simple and soulful sounds.
Of fifteen tracks on this compilation, five - including the title song -- are composed by the Michaels, and transport the listener to a land of faeries and fantasy. The remainder are traditional English and Irish folk songs, including such favorites as
"Once I Had a Sweetheart", "The Blacksmith", "Carrickfergus" and "The Wild Rover."
To view a partial Songlist, click on the SONGLIST link to the right...
To view video of The Harper and the Minstrel click on the VIDEO link to the right...
