Mike Howe - Lichens (2015)

Mike Howe's 5th album of melodic, catchy, emotive instrumental songs. "It's beautiful, unique, emotional, complex and simple all at once" - Rosanne Alexander "It's magnificent" - Jamey Osbourne, Radio host and DJ at Audiosyncracy.

“Lichens begins with “Into the Night,” a beautiful, rhythmic piece and a great opener! The dreamy “Remember” features acoustic and electric guitar with an ethereal keyboard backdrop. More ambient than melodic, it creates a quiet mood for reflection. “Joni” has a very pleasant smooth jazz/light rock flavor. “Plains” expresses a warm and gentle peacefulness. Howe’s solo acoustic guitar music often makes me think of walking in the woods or on a hillside and encountering a guitarist sitting under a tree, peacefully lost in his music. The lovely “You Know Me” takes me there – love it! The title track is a slow, graceful beauty with a very haunting quality – tranquility set to music! “Run” picks up the energy level a bit (but not too much) – also a favorite. “Swim” feels like a slow dance at the end of a romantic evening. Keyboard, guitar, and drums played with brushes give it a gentle sway and feelings of warm contentment. “Look Up” is a lovely reminder to be aware of everything around you – a gorgeous guitar piece! “Summer Road” picks up the tempo with an upbeat closing that will have you hitting the “replay” button. Happy vacation days, here we come!

Tracklist:

01. Into the Night
02. Remember
03. Joni
04. Plains
05. You Know Me
06. Mosaic
07. Lichens
08. Run
09. Firelight
10. Swim
11. Look Up
12. Summer Road