Album Notes

Natural instincts breathe through Michael's instrumental guitar stylings as an extension of his heart and soul. His polished melodic style is textured yet unobtrusive. Borderless, innovative and well crafted, his songs have their own beautifully defined essence. Mucklow is a guitarist that isn't afraid to be adventurous.

Michael Mucklow is an instrumental guitarist who journeys outside the box. His use of alternate tunings crafts music that speaks volumes for his daring. A diverse background gives Michael the courage to pursue individuality and unusual settings for his solo Fingerstyle guitarwork. While his music springs surprises, it also maintains a state of constant grace as it changes pace and direction. His albums are fresh, laid back, unpretentious, and reassuring in their optimism. Simplicity and positive undertones make a wonderful combination; the result is memorable music.

Writing acoustic guitar-based songs since he was 16, his migration as a musician soon led to the electric guitar. Spending several years in original rock bands released a desire to play with passion and intensity - a quality that transfers to the soothing and melodic music he writes today. Connecting with his Source of musical inspiration while in a church band added depth and dimension to his songwriting. When Michael would perform as a solo guitarist, listeners defined his playing as calming, peaceful...even healing. Michael clearly understood that music had the power to produce a positive impact in the human spirit.

His music continued to evolve through influences like Acoustic Alchemy, Will Ackerman and Tommy Emmanuel. Michael's love for the blended sounds of acoustic guitars was solidifying. His exploration of alternate tunings was sparked, re-igniting his desire to write guitar instrumentals. His solo projects are his response to the blending of influences that have spoken most to his heart over the years. This heartfelt music is meditative and unique, easily appreciated and savored. Listeners will find Michael's instrumental guitar stylings relaxing, calming, peaceful...and yes, perhaps even healing.

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Refreshing Solo Acoustic Stylings...
"I suppose if there was a successor to the legendary Michael Hedges, the mantle would most likely have passed on to another Michael; Michael Mucklow. His stylings embody the same ethereal feel, to his playing that many of us found so engaging in Hedges. Hedges in his earliest days blew the roof off that silly 'New Age' concept. Mucklow does much the same in his alternate tunings and beautiful arrangements. I can't begin to speak to the technical side of his playing. But as a friend once said to me '"Good is where you find it."' and I found it here. So sit back, find yourself a nice place you wish to visit and let Michael take you there on a lovely musical journey that sounds every bit as rewarding as the turns that another Michael gave us years ago. ~ J.L. Smith, Detroit
(Review from Amazon.com for The View From Here)