Postcards from the Edge of Musical Innovation

An eclectic mix of original music on acoustic guitar, tabla, and esraj – the mythical world where Celtic meets Indian. Captures the incredible live energy and synergy of Benjy Wertheimer and virtuoso guitarist Michael Mandrell. This live and in-concert recording features their unique and amazing blend of Indian-Celtic world fusion music. Lively, beautiful and fun.
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“The beautiful musical landscape of Celtistan reverently merges Michael’s Celtic and jazz sensibilities with Benjy’s love of Indian classical music, giving the ancient traditions of India and Ireland a new melodic voice (with occasional touches of Asia and Bosnia). Celtistan’s flowing and vibrant language was captured live, to preserve the unique richness, openness, and spontaneity that shared moments bring.”

– Eric Alan (Music Director of Jefferson Public Radio, Ashland OR)
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“All travelers through distant lands return with elements of those lands’ richness inside — later integrated into the creation of new richness at home. As musical and spiritual travelers, Michael and Benjy have taken this journey to create the new land of Celtistan. The beautiful musical landscape there reverently merges Michael’s Celtic and jazz sensibilities with Benjy’s love of Indian classical music, giving the ancient traditions of India and Ireland a new melodic voice (with occasional touches of Asia and Bosnia). Celtistan’s flowing and vibrant language was captured live, to preserve the unique richness, openness and spontaneity that shared moments bring.

“Michael and Benjy have shared the depth and beauty of these moments since 1999, when it was clear from their first meeting that their synergy would take them and their audience to new acoustic lands.

“Welcome to Celtistan.”

– Eric Alan (Music Director, Jefferson Public Radio, Ashland, OR; Author/Photographer, “Wild Grace: Nature as a Spiritual Path”)