Heading West, which marks Howe’s fourth journey with Real Music, features some of his most sublime music to date. The guitar is central on this release, featuring warm, carefree strumming that is accented by keyboards, piano and rhythm. Songs like “Old Wooden House” and “American Travels” have a pensive beauty to them — the guitar harmonies bear a reflective essence, as if Howe is wandering through old haunts reminiscing of past joys. “Badlands” ups the tempo a bit and adds a bit of bluesy groove, while maintaining Howe’s signature laid-back flair. A must listen for fans of relaxing guitar music.
Mike Howe 
A beautifully stated review which – as far as I can see – is absolutely spot on.
You know that I love the energy emitting from your music. In this song I particularly like the combination of instruments with the soft piano chords accompanying the gentle guitar(s).
(At least I imagine I heard that piano…)
Glad to see that the word about your music is spreading. 😀
Much love!
Yes the piano is central to this song, as is the acoustic warmth of the double bass and then the guitar. Thanks as always Steffi I really appreciate your kindness 🙂
You are always welcome.
Thanks for clarifying this for me. Sometimes the music is taking me so far beyond words and descriptions that I am not sure, later, if I really heard what I think I heard… :’>
Truly beautiful and heartfelt music Mike. I’ve just bought “A Long Way To Go” on iTunes and it’s gorgeous to listen to. I hope you do well in all your music projects. Tracey
Thank you so much Tracey that is high praise indeed coming from you. I’ve listened to all of the songs on Third Place, all beautiful, a stunning achievement well done 🙂 I will be recommending you to many others
Nice relaxing guitar music. The “Old Wooden House” got me thinking about the many old abandoned houses we saw in Montana, and the guitar music would have been perfect for listening to while driving through that area.
Thank you that is very nice of you, I’m glad the song evoked your own images, that’s the beauty of instrumental music I think. This particular song is about a very old church building I came across in the southern states once, hence the reference to the “house” of god, and is why the song has a gospel hymn like structure to it. I hope I did the building and all the people who have used it over the century justice.
Exactly right. Music is very personal. We each make our own associations with it, but that’s what makes it unforgettable for each person. I like the style of your music.
This is lovely, Mike! I love it. Many congrats on the great write-up!
Thank you so much Jo I’m so glad you like it 🙂
Sounds nice and relaxing 🙂
Thank you Klaudia, I’m told that it is 🙂
Thank you for the like, though I really don’t care about likes on my blog.
You’re welcome, it was a genuine like, it’s nice to have the opportunity to show appreciation for a post without necessarily having to comment on it although I respect your preference. All the best, Mike
My best to you,Mike, and again congratulations for the great music you are making.