Island of Anywhere
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 4.3
Ambient Visions
I find soft guitar work to be both soothing and calming. Mike Howe presents us with 17 tracks of excellent, smooth guitar compositions that will enhance your workspace and your home. This English born musician was nominated for best new artist for his debut album Time Stands Still back in 2009, as well as Best Instrumental Acoustic album for his second release. This CD continues in the same vein of exceptional guitar. This is classic acoustic guitar work; melodic, harmonized and offered up, simply, for the listener's enjoyment. The music stands on its own with very little accompaniment. Mr. Howe does play all the bass, keyboards and percussion that accompany some of the work. There is variety in the tempo which makes sure that the CD never becomes boring. Sometimes contemplative, sometimes upbeat, the variations are easy on the ears and never intruding. Mr. Howe's guitar work is quite polished; he has a style that is uniquely his own, which lends an emotional feel to the compositions. My picks from this CD are Top of the World; an almost James Tayloresque sounding piece, but much more developed for acoustic guitar, it's bright, cheery and warm. Summer's Here has a very jazzy feel to it, smooth and gliding. I am reminded of some old Motown releases with brass and featuring guitar. My favorite has to be the opening track, Beyond the Mountains. I love the guitar work here, simple but melodious. The chord harmonies are outstanding and the piece is very contemplative. Mike Howe's guitar work on Island of Anywhere is an enjoyable journey in a picking style that is both tranquil and pleasing. The listener is able to submerge themselves in this soothing environment letting the ebb and flow of the guitar act as a rudder to guide them through the undercurrents that he has skillfully woven into his music. Mike is a highly talented individual but the listener is not subjected to pyrotechnic displays of his guitar playing prowess just to show he can do it but rather the guitar playing is subtle so as to focus the music on the mood that is being created rather than on the player himself. Island of Anywhere is an exceptional album which presents Mike Howe in all of his brilliance creating music that is filled with passion and that will tug on the strings of your heart resonating with your spirit. Michael Foster Editor – ambientvisions.com
MainlyPiano.com
Island of Anywhere is the third solo acoustic guitar release from Welsh composer and ecologist Mike Howe. Howe’s first two albums with the Real Music label, Time Stands Still (2009) and Round River (2010), provide listeners with a peaceful respite from the hectic pace and harsh realities of everyday life, and Island of Anywhere picks up the thread where the other two albums left off. Most of the seventeen tracks are solo acoustic guitar and a few feature Howe on bass, keyboards, and percussion as well. For me, Howe’s music suggests images of walking in the country and happening by someone sitting against a tree playing his or her guitar, completely lost in the music. There is nothing fancy or showy about Howe’s music - it is gentle, honest, and from the heart, and those qualities can be breathtaking in their own right. Nothing will jump out at you and demand attention - this is more like an inviting patch of sunshine beckoning you to come and relax for a while. With all of the forces demanding our attention, this quiet approach is both much needed and welcome. Island of Anywhere opens with “Beyond the Mountains,” a gorgeous ballad that reminds me a bit of Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” Warm and flowing like a happy daydream, it’s a stellar beginning. “Flowers of Penberi” evokes images of wildflowers gently moving to the rhythm of a breeze. “Waves on the Shore” picks up the tempo a bit and changes to more of a folk song mode. Constantly moving but never in a rush, this is a favorite. “Stray Birds” has a melancholy feeling that is not without hope. Light percussion in the background adds a bit of emphasis to the beat - a nice contrast to the flowing quality of the guitar. The title track is pure musical sunshine - blissful and serene. The reflective “This Life” is wordlessly philosophical about simplicity and contentment. “Sorry For What I Said” conveys humility, sincerity, and regret - a heartfelt beauty. “Pale Blue Dot” is another stand-out. More ambient than melodic, washes of keyboard color add an ethereal feeling while the guitar plays a simple, uncomplicated melody that conveys a sense of wonder and openness. “Days Gone By” ends this lovely collection with peaceful, dreamy nostalgia that accepts the past rather than longing for it. With three incredible albums to his credit, Mike Howe has created a musical niche for himself that will be hard to top for peaceful solo guitar that evokes a sense of well-being and calm. Island of Anywhere will be released on October 25, 2011 and will be available wherever Real Music albums are sold. It is available for pre-release orders from Amazon and iTunes. Very highly recommended! Kathy Parsons MainlyPiano.com
Michael Debbage
Apparently it is becoming an annual event to expect a new creative release from the Welsh guitarist who has somehow managed to release three releases in the same amount of years. How he manages to write his beautiful music at his current rate is amazing. And while this is once again another splendid creation, there is this underlying feeling of diminished returns as Howe continues to play it safe with his unobtrusive pastoral instrumental mix found on Island of Anywhere. Though be ready for a few surprises. The pleasantries begin immediately with the opening track “Beyond the Mountains” which is reminiscent of Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” Needless to say comparisons with such a gorgeous song mean nothing but the ultimate compliment, but it is not without Howe caressing the strings to create his own beautiful yet unassuming composition. The follow up track “Flowers of Penberi” is somewhat more flirtatious while “In That Moment” has a more mid-tempo melancholy feel to it. The above pattern repeats itself for the most part but there are a few exceptions. First there is the more driven “Waves On the Shore” where Mike stretches himself a little but not at the expense of ruining the pastoral theme. Further musical exploration occurs on “Summer’s Here” that is as optimistic as the season of its namesake. There is even horn like instrumentation courtesy of Howe’s keyboards. While the risk is appreciated, this song could have been much more successful with an outside musician assist on the drums and horns. Kudos to Howe, for his willingness to step aside of his musical boundaries. Though Howe gets it completely right on the embellishments found on “Sunset” with Howe placing the electric guitar up front and center. This may bring Howe to somewhat of a musical crossroad who has once again produced another solid recording but may have exhausted the successful formula that has resulted in these three very fine recordings. Howe deserves a significant rest to recharge his creative batteries and judging by his already impressive recording portfolio, who knows what musical island is next. Meanwhile enjoy Howe’s Island of Anywhere from gorgeous sunrise to sweet sunset. Michael Debbage
An amazing CD!
I just got Island Of Anywhere today! What an AMAZING CD! Mellow Real axing and truly just awesome music! I will be recommending this to my friends who enjoy acoustic guitar music for sure! Thanks for having such great cd's available! Pat Hakanson