Higher Ground

Heavenly music with a unique blend of folk, country, and gospel influences about rising up from the desperation of floods, lending a helping hand, a father’s tender tribule to milestones in his child’s life, & the scarcity of banjo players in heaven.

Higher Ground features new versions of some old gospel tunes like “I’ll Fly Away” & “Heaven Help Us All” (which Ray Charles & Stevie Wonder & Joan Baez each recorded in the early ‘70’s), a couple quirky funny folk songs like “Banjo Players in Heaven” & “It Weren’t Love (She Just Made Me Sick)”, & a father’s tender tribute to milestones in his child’s life in “Then It Happens Again”. Plus, there are more of the peace & social justice themes, & love songs you’ve probably come to know as Michael’s modus operandi – all capturing a new & wide range of musical styles & lyrical images. As with most of his recent works, he continues to be accompanied by Grammy nominee David Lanz playing piano & keyboards, William Limbach singing Art Garfunkel-like harmonies, Eric Smith playing mandolin & dobro, & many other exceptionally talented friends & family.