Based in Pennsylvania, USA, Mike McCarthy is a pianist/composer who has developed a particular fondness for the Beatles.  Playing cocktail sets around town over the years, Mike always tried to avoid anything "cheesy" or overplayed, which led him to explore the Beatles' deeper cuts - a massive catalouge of over 200 works mainly from the infamous writing duo Lennon & McCartney.  McCarthy's latest effort, "Gently Sleeps: A Calming Tribute to The Beatles," takes 13 sometimes forgotten Beatles gems and slows them way down into some minimalistic & rather relaxing renditions.  There's "an obvious love for the music that comes shining through" says reviewer Wildy Haskell.  

 

Ever since requesting his first piano lesson at the age of 6, Mike has been writing his own original works and his passion for composing grew exponetially over the years. This led to his debut of original compositions, "This Piano" -  a record that portrays a versatile player, bridging the gaps between solid technical skills and distinctive compositional instincts.

 

The songs of This Piano are considered by Mike to be his musical autobiography. Rather than offering a description of the of the album, Mike simply states, “instrumental music expresses something that words cannot” and he hopes that the notes in This Piano will mostly speak for themselves while connecting with listeners around the globe.

 

The album was released in the fall of 2012 delighting reviewers and continuing to receive worldwide airplay.  "Recommended if you are looking for something a little different," says Kathy Parsons from MainlyPiano.com

 

When not performing, composing or recording, Mike enjoys a full roster of piano students and also runs Hear & There Music, a travelling music school and record label for Mike’s releases.