Album Notes

Ride along as composer/guitarist Mike Starling takes you on a six-string tour of the dusty back roads and remote destinations of a mythical musical landscape on a 52-minute listening experience called "Guitar Moods."

"Quite a new world for moody, instrumental guitar subtlety," wrote Martin Jack Rosenblum in the Shepherd Express. "Standout moments (include) the spare rasp of 'Above The Clouds,' the sonic narrative 'Rememory,' the dance through dust of 'Amarilla' and, especially, the dirge that refuses sorrow of 'Sophie & Boscho.'"

The album was also selected a "Cool CD of the Moment" pick by The Electric Daybook blog.


A WIDE WORLD OF INFLUENCES...

Though this CD focuses on Mike's collection of guitars, dobros and bass guitars – both acoustic and electric – many of the exotic instruments found on his travels add additional colors to the songs.

A recent trip to his family roots in Ireland, for instance, brings Celtic influences to "Kinvarra (Trip Begins)," "Pot O'Gold" and "Twelve Mile Beach," while a simmering Mississippi River Delta blues permeates "Bayou Fog" and "Great River Road."

The sounds of a Brazilian friction drum known as the "cuica" accent the rootsy chord progressions of "The Floating World" and aboriginal Australian didgeridoos add a primordial earthiness to the gypsy blues of "Jinni."

A trip to the Dominican Republic inspired the sultry Latin groove of "Yo Soy Su Chica," while "Above The Clouds" captures the feel of flying in an airplane miles above the urban sprawl.


SOME OF MIKE'S MUSICAL MENTORS...

• Ry Cooder
• David Gilmour
• Bill Frisell
• Steve Reich
• Miles Davis


THE IMPORTANCE OF COVER ART...

As on all of Starling's releases, the visual package is as important as the music. The "Guitar Moods" insert showcases Mike's own travel and music photography. "Musician", a vibrant pastel painting by Milwaukee artist Shelly Rosenquist, was selected for the album cover.


IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU'LL ALSO LOVE...

"Didjeriblue, Vol. 1" – Where the Outback meets the Delta. Mike blends deep bass grooves and funky drum loops with earthy didgeridoos and bluesy guitars. Also available at CD Baby, the coolest music store on the planet (see link at left).