Michael's 20 Favorite CD's of 2008: In a year of economic hardship and financial struggles, we were blessed with an abundance of inspiring instrumental music that was one of the best in many years. While the music industry continues to scratch its head with how to deal with declining sales, the artists of the instrumental genre continue to create music of integrity and inspiration without the many benefits that mainstream artists have available to them. And for that I salute you and personally thank you for keeping me in the eye of the economic storms where there is still peace and tranquility.

TOP TWENTY 2008 (RANKED)

1.  William Joseph - Beyond (Reprise)

2.  Ryan Stewart - Equanimity  (Stone Angel Music)

3.  Seay - A Winter Blessing (Tuscan Sun Music)

4.  Peter Kater & Dominic Miller - In A Dream (Point Of Light Records)

5.  Paul Cardall- Living For Eden (Stone Angel Music)

6.  David Lanz - Living Temples  (Sound Traveler)

7.  Stanton Lanier - Unveiled  (Piano Peace Music)

8.  Spencer Brewer - Cinematic (Willow Rose)

9.  David Arkenstone - Echoes Of Light And Shadow  (Gemini Sun)

10. David Lanz - Painting The Sun (Shanachie)

11. 2002- Christmas Dreams (Gemini Sun)

12. Enya - And Winter Came (Reprise)

13. Mars Lasar - 11:05 Revival (Sound Manipulations)

14. Paul Cardall - The Hymns Collection  (Stone Angel Music)

15. David Hicken - Faeries  (Enchanting Music)

16. Wayne Gratz - Light Lands and Shoreline  (WGM)

17. Lawson Rollins - Infinita  (Infinita Records)

18. Stephen Peppos - Vertigo (Tarvin Music)

19. Philip Wesley - Dark Night Of The Soul (Autumn Music)

20. Stephen Peppos - Follow The Mist (Tarvin Music)

*Honorable mention to Ola Gjeilo’s  2007 release  Stone Rose.