I am an ecologist and a composer of guitar based instrumental melodies signed to the Real Music label in California. I like to write about my work, music and nature conservation and how it all comes together. I try not to write about things I don't know much about.
Lovely itunes customer review for “Time Stands Still”, thank you Brewmaestro 🙂
Something special
by Brewmaestro
There’s something very unique and special about Mike Howe’s music and his sound. This is not your typical New Age guitar music. This music touches me instantly and continually. Beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing, yes, but there’s something more that seems so natural, yet very special. I learned (from RealMusic) that Mike is a Welsh national park ranger. “I hope that people can hear the deep-felt respect for people and wild lands in my music and that it helps bring peace, warmth and curiosity to a small part of their day.” I do, and it does. Thanks, Mike.
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.
“Despite growing up and living an ocean away, there is no denying that Howe is able to faithfully recreate the spirit and the soul of the American west. What results is something refreshing and utterly unique that makes this disc into one of the best we’ve reviewed in the last 12 months.” – James McQusiton, Neufutur Magazine
Mike Howe 