Artist:  Michael Gutierrez-May
Album:  Fifty Miles Away
Review by Matthew Forss

As a singer/songwriter from Massachusetts, Michael showcases his versatile folk talents and writing abilities on his first release of five songs on Fifty Miles Away.  Michael’s slightly humorous, quirky, and catchy little songs illustrate the poignant personality and creator of simple ballads and meaningful pieces of aural art. 

“Fifty Miles Away” is a folksy love song that opens with a simple, acoustic guitar rhythm that is rather earthy in feel and tone.  Michael’s gruff voice is relatively light and wavering in the same way Paul Simon or Arlo Guthrie would vocalize.  The only instrument of choice is the acoustic guitar, which sounds very raw and natural without any percussion accompaniment or electrified guitar sounds indicative of folk-rock.  After a few measures, Deborah Linden’s vocal ‘oohs’ follow backup accompaniment along with the melody.  Deborah also sings a few of the lines near the end of the song, but not without adding in a few more ‘oohs.’  All in all, the song is a poignant love ditty with relatively rudimentary instrumentation and vocal arrangements.

“The Albino and The Transvestite” is the most unusual song on the album, which is based primarily on the title and lyrics.  The folksy rhythm is a little faster than other songs, but Michael’s characteristic voice is still present.  The acoustic guitar is joined by piano and background vocals by Stephen Martin, Collette O’Connor, and Nancy Rost.  The comedic lyrics are somewhat reminiscent of Stephen Lynch in a more light-hearted manner.  However, comparisons to another comedic guitar hero, Rob Paravonian, are more pronounced.  At any rate, the three-minute song is the longest song on the album, but that does not diminish its vocal, melodic, and instrumental power.

The sauntering guitar and slowly-played harmonica signal the start of “Groucho,” a clear ode to the famous Groucho Marx.  The addition of Stephen Martin and Collette O’Connor provide a more rounded ensemble sound.  Michael’s comical lyrics about why nobody has written a song about Groucho make the song worthwhile.  Collette’s background vocals play off of Michael’s vocals.  The end of the song is a bit cluttered with vocals and instruments at different pitches, but it does not last long. 

“Tea and Aspirin” is a short song under two-minutes in length that describes the feelings of tolerating illness.  Michael’s acoustic guitar frolics along in a spritely rhythm that offsets the glum lyrical outlook and Jacqui Carnall’s soaring background vocals.  The background ‘oohs’ tend to be used efficiently and appropriately throughout the other songs, but the repetition becomes monotonous after repeated listens.  Still, the song is a funny, catchy, and worthy composition for chilling out and staving off a cold or flu. 

“Gabrielle” opens with a folksy, acoustic guitar rhythm without additional instrumentation or vocals.  However, background vocals and violin accompaniment provide a somewhat lighthearted display amidst a rather somber lyrical demonstration about riots, politics, and love. Deborah Linden and Robyn MacKenzie provide vocal and violin accompaniment that is very good.  This is the most musical piece with a longer violin outro with guitar. 

Michael is an introspective singer, songwriter, and guitarist that successfully creates musical pieces with a raw and talented repertoire.  The low-key arrangements, rough and quivering vocals, and short song lengths provide an interesting listening experience typical of Appalachian mining songs, Americana folk tunes, and comedic displays without a Southern (or New England) accent.  However, the only qualm would be the short album length of only twelve minutes and some repetitious, background vocal lines that can only be considered slight missteps.     
  
Review by Matthew Forss
Rating:  4 stars  (out of 5)
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It’s never too late to start your musical career, and Michael Gutierrez-May is living proof of that.  An up and coming singer-songwriter from South Weymouth, Massachusetts, Michael has been involved in the music scene for the past 30 years as a coffeehouse manager, concert organizer, and now his new found love for writing songs and performing them to the masses. Just releasing his newest effort titled Fifty Miles Away, the EP highlights five songs that were recorded in the dead of winter 2011.  What came out of said winter is a ray of sunshine and warmth.

Opening the album is the title track “Fifty Miles Away,” a quirky little love song that is unconventional and certainly catchy. Gutierrez-May, picks his guitar gracefully as his soft voice fills the track. Surprisingly, when the female harmonies come into play, the track gets more interesting and vibrant. This is a stellar way to open the record up and there will be more stunning times to come in the process.

“Gabrielle,” will first strike you as a tad bit Mountain Goats in sound, which is a flattering comparison by all means. Michael is not only a great musician but he is also an amazing lyricist. This is something you will discover right out of the gates. The stories that are told on this album, are touching and intriguing.  “Gabrielle,” is filled with blissful harmonies, a slight violin, and enchanting tones. Ironically, a perfect track to listen to in a coffee house.

“Tea and Aspirin,” is a charming song about feeling under the weather.  It may seem like a weird topic, but the peculiar track that clocks in under two minutes, will be perfect for those days you are feeling under the weather or down. The tiny melody whisks the listener away on a musical journey that they will not soon forget.

Heading into the song “Groucho,” which is undeniably about the late, great comedian, Groucho Marx, will strike you as a bit off beat and out of the normal, but nothing is really ordinary on this album. The lyrics become slightly corny, but they are certainly heartfelt. And really, how many people have written a song about Groucho? Not many.

Closing the EP is “The Albino and The Transvestite,” which comes across as more Antifolk (think The Moldy Peaches and early Regina Spektor), then folk, which is definitely not a bad thing. Even if this is an offbeat topic for a track, it somehow works on this album, where anything and everything is fair game. The story is beyond interesting and will require more than one listen, that’s for sure.

Michael Gutierrez-May has released an exceptional piece of work that will certainly be making the rounds amongst indie and folk circles alike.  He may only be getting his musical career off the ground, but it is already flying high. Fifty Miles Away is the perfect album for any day of the week. In short, it’s timeless.


Review by Melissa Nastasi
Rating:  4 stars (out of 5)
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