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Michael Shorr

Michael Shorr

Michael Shorr's playing and songwriting are constantly evolving, drawing influence from Michael Hedges, James Taylor, Greg Brown and David Wilcox -in other words, growing out of the fertile soil of the New Folk movement. His songwriting often reflects his search for meaning, caring and connection in a busy, sometimes overwhelming world. He often tackles the classic themes of life, including love, loss, and renewal; underneath the struggle, he finds hope. Songs like the title cut from Into the Journey reflect this optimism.

"A real crowd-pleaser, Michael is a sparkling performer.And he is an inventive, up-and-coming songwriter." - Tom Schearer, The Royal Buck, Santa Fe, NM

"...more of a feeling than simply music." - Robin Kimble KTAO FM, Taos

"A surprise hit of the festival." - Bruce Granath, Utah Folk & Bluegrass Festival

After many years pouring over obscure, 19th-century French chemical texts in the dungeons of graduate school libraries, Michael Shorr (M.A., Johns Hopkins University) asked himself a simple question: "Why be gloomy doing 'responsible' work when I could be doing what I love?"

The answer became clear after a little searching of the soul, singing around campfires and devouring super fudge chunk ice cream. Shorr decided to leave the dank, fluorescent depths of academia for the warm, golden light of Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, Shorr began his career as a singer-songwriterguitarist.

Santa Fe's flourishing, intimate, and multi-ethnic music scene has infused,and inspired Shorr's writing, performing and recording work. Now, celebrating the release of his new CD Into the Journey, he is taking his music on the road, joining his troubadour compatriots in the dissemination of late 20th-century North American folk music.

Into the Journey
Into the Journey by Michael Shorr features a select group of Santa Fe's finest musicians including the percussionist for Ottmar Liebert's hit album "Nouveau Flamenco".

This CD is what my friend Meri would call a "happy CD". Feel good songs with feel good lyrics, it just makes-you feel good all over. ' A mixture of rhythm styles keep a good variation throughout the CD. What I was first impressed by, though, was the beautiful background vocal mix -just enough to enhance but not enough to overpower: T'he lyrics read wonderfully alone, so with the glory of music behind them, they're riveting. I could go on and on, but I'll make it brief by saying if you're a fan of acoustical guitar and Adult Contemporary, check this out. Wonderful writing, playing and production make this CD worth the money. - By Shannon Wilson

Songs:
Reeve's Frog Story
What are You carrying?
Into the Journey
Two Tugs
Streets of Pain
At Least the Heavens
I Will Follow
T. G. V. (Tain de Grand Vitesse)
Reeve's Bird Story
Falling
You and Me Toed the Line
Listen
Returned the Stars

Michael Shorr - acoustic guitar, lead & backup vocals
Kevin Zoernig - keyboards
David Sause - mandolin, backup vocals (Falling)
Melissa van der Schyff - lead & backup vocals
Zeke Severson - standard bass, fretless bass, acoustic bass
Jeff Sussman - drum kit, congas, tabla, dumbek
Caitlin Massie - violin
Featuring:
reeve Taylor - storytelling
Chris Sherland - electric guitar
Bonnie Hearne - piano, backup vocals (You & Me Toeing the Line)
Carlos Ruiz - drums, percussion (Into the Journey)
Bob Coke - guitar, tabla (Return to the Stars)

Executive producer: Michael Shorr
produced by Michael Shorr & Tim Stroh
Vocal production by Bob Coke

Mixed by Tim Stroh
Recorded and mixed at Stepbridge Studios, Santa fe, NM

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