There are covers—and then there are interpretations that feel like a whispered prayer, a gentle embrace. In Michael Martinez and Sherry Finzer’s rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” we find the latter: a deeply moving instrumental meditation that doesn’t just revisit a classic—it reimagines it with rare grace and authenticity.
Allow me to introduce two artists whose musical chemistry evokes the sensation of being held in time. Michael Martinez, often described as heartfelt, cinematic, and reflective, is a solo pianist whose story begins with promise and purpose. Starting his journey at age 11, Michael quickly became a protegé of renowned New Age pianist Jonathon Lee. By 13, he had inherited the title of The Grand Piano Man of the Big Sur International Marathon, playing to thousands on a grand piano perched above the breathtaking Bixby Bridge. With each performance, Michael offers a piece of his heart—raw, honest, and resonant.
Joining him is Sherry Finzer, a pioneering flutist and the visionary behind Heart Dance Records. Sherry specializes in low and Native flutes, blending classical, world, and meditative styles into compositions that have helped listeners worldwide cope with anxiety, illness, and emotional wounds. Her music is a sanctuary—healing, intentional, and expansive. She believes in music’s power not just to soothe, but to transform. Together, they bring “Can’t Help Falling in Love” into a new light—one that shimmers softly but speaks volumes.
The instrumentation is minimalist yet emotionally charged. Michael’s piano doesn’t simply accompany; it speaks in a melodic language of longing and tenderness. Every key touched feels like a quiet confession, beautifully paced, never hurried. His dynamics are intentional—leaning in when emotion rises, pulling back when stillness is needed. In perfect conversation with him is Sherry’s flute—warm, round, and delicate. Her tone seems to float effortlessly, each note imbued with breath and soul, weaving through the piano’s harmonies like a memory resurfacing.
There are no vocals in this version, but none are needed. Their performance and delivery speak where words fall short. The phrasing is deeply intuitive, allowing the well-known melody to unfold organically. It’s as though they’re not performing the song—they’re remembering it, re-experiencing it in their own lives, and letting us join them in that shared nostalgia.
The production is crisp and intimate. There’s no gloss or over-arrangement here—just pure, unfiltered emotion captured in pristine clarity. It allows the breath of the flute and the resonance of the piano to envelop the listener, creating a meditative, almost spiritual experience. Whether played on speakers or headphones, this is music that invites stillness.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a timeless love song—and in this instrumental reinterpretation, it becomes something deeper: a quiet reverence for the beauty of connection. Martinez and Finzer remind us that love, in all its forms, deserves to be honored with care. And in their hands, it is.
For listeners who seek serenity, authenticity, and artistry that moves the spirit, Michael Martinez and Sherry Finzer are names to remember. Their music doesn’t just sound beautiful—it feels like home.
Listen to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” on Spotify
