Award-winning guitarist/composer/multi-instrumentalist Michelle Qureshi is having an amazingly productive year! Compass of the Heart is her fourth album of 2025, and it’s still just September! Her three previous albums were multi-instrumentals, but Compass of the Heart is mostly solo acoustic guitar (nylon and steel string) - and what a beauty it is! The previous albums were released on the Wayfarer Music Group label, but this one is on Music As Metaphor, Michelle’s own label. The album is made up of fourteen original tracks inspired by many experiences that include forest bathing, gardening, a trip to Scotland with her adult daughter, and other reflections on her life. All of the tracks are all quite short, but the album flows seamlessly, providing glimpses of a variety of experiences in a very intimate format. It’s a beautiful album, and one of my favorites from Michelle.

Compass of the Heart begins with “Carry Me,” an upbeat and welcoming piece for both steel string and nylon string guitars with soft synth washes in the background - a great start! “In the Forest” was released earlier this year as a single and is made up of layered nylon string guitar tracks. Warm, gentle and very soothing, it evokes the feeling of being in the midst of tall trees and the life that dwells among them. “Lavender Fields” is a favorite with its subtle movement and calming melody. I can almost smell their lavender scent! “Lost in a Talking Forest” is the longest piece on the album and tells a fascinating story with changing themes and tempos. There is a sense of mystery that flows throughout the piece, but it never feels dangerous or forbidding. “The In Between” features Michelle playing both an acoustic steel string guitar and a ukulele, and the effect is warm and hypnotic. Inspired by Michelle’s memories of singing to her baby daughter, “Layla’s Lullaby” expresses a mother’s deep love and tenderness - another favorite! I also really like “Subtle Realms,” a piece that goes quite a bit darker. Heartfelt and very beautiful, it’s my favorite track on the album. “Not Just For Us” creates a gentle conversation between two nylon string guitars and is very warm and soothing. “Prince Street Gardens” was inspired by a visit to the famous gardens during Michelle’s trip to Scotland. Bright and colorful, it expresses the joy and wonder of a spectacular garden teeming with life and beauty. “Simple Beauty” is another favorite (I told you it was a great album!). As its title implies, the piece is uncomplicated and from the heart. The album comes to a very peaceful close with “Sweet and Sunny,” a piece that makes me think of the beauty of a quiet early morning bathed in warm sunshine and the promise of a new day.

Compass of the Heart is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Very highly recommended!