Mind-challenging contemporary Country/Folk from a master of evocative lyrics.

9 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Modern Folk, COUNTRY: Country Folk



Details:
My name is Mike Pryor. I'm the songwriter and main vocal performer on "There Is Another Country," my debut solo CD.

I have lived in Seattle, Washington since 1978, and have written songs and performed here professionally since 1994. I've been told I'm pretty good(See review below).

I grew up in Southern California, molded by the Upper South accents of Oklahoma and Arkansas relatives. After a few hours of their Thanksgiving dinner talk each year, my voice deteriorates to an Almost Willie Nelson sensitive nasal drawl, though I can make it John Denver Clear when I want to. Youâll hear a little bit of both in my music.

The subject matter of my music is at times humorous, at times personal, at times spiritual, and at times visionary. I believe in more than Peace, in a future where we Thrive together, not just a future where we restrain ourselves from killing each other.

I write serious songs about American things like toy horses and soldiers and farm boys wounded by war and acceptance and peace and trusting God. My debut album, âThere Is Another Countryâ has this more serious side of writing.

I also write funny songs about dating Idaho militia girls, and rich folks attempting to talk to the poor, and men too old dating women too young, and vegetarian nursery rhymes with no animals in them. Youâll have to hear me in person to experience the humor.

My album is a solo work, meaning that I did all the writing and carry the main vocals throughout, but I had a lot of help. Paul Carr, a fine bass vocalist, adds harmonies and guitar to mine, and Jeff Speigner did the album graphics.

You might notice a contemplative, solitary vein to much of my songwriting. Iâve done a lot of writing alone in the Northwest wooded mountains, where lifeâs still, small, voices can grow into thoughts and lyrics. An Australian Shepherd dog that worships you can help the writing process as well.

The best song Iâve written so far is âRide Ride Rocket,â about a small cowboy who finds imagination, safety and solace on a toy horse. Prayer is wherever you find it.


Review of âThere Is Another Countryâ:

From Victory Review Acoustic Music Magazine January 2006, by Laurin Gaudinier
"The first time I heard Mike perform "Crosses and Crescents and Stars" at an open mike, I was not ready for the last verse, and its power brought me to tears. Having heard a few of Mike's songs (both funny and serious ones), I eagerly awaited his first CD. I have not been disappointed.
"Mike's entire first release highlights his serious songs. The CD is gentle, musical and infused with his inclusive, optimistic and spiritual perspective. Repeat listenings have not diminished the impact of "Crosses and Crescents and Stars", the sly bitter-sweetness of "Ride Ride Rocket" or the optimism of the title cut. His "Go Tell It", an updated version of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is an inclusive gem.
"The CD is essentially a solo acoustic work, though folksinger Paul Carr provides nicely-woven in folk harmonies throughout the CD. I am curious as to how the addition of a few strings or bass would have impacted the result, however, this is a fine work even in its spare arrangements.
"It is like a nine-track lullaby, and one of my top CDs for soothing and centering myself. Buy this CD and you will likely experience the same lullaby-like soothing. I highly recommend the experience." (Laurin Gaudinier)