Search - American Zen :: LEVEL 1 = Peace Of Mind

LEVEL 1 is the first of 8 LEVELS to be achieved by our Zen pups. As they struggle to break free from their parents and religions, Coyote has depicted their adolescent turmoil in songs like, "You've Been Sold," and "Whose Heaven Is This?" This struggle for independence also includes the overwhelming problems ranging from get-a-job, "A Long Way Home," to get-a-girl, "Trust Me." Coyote may be one of the best Jethro Tull style flute players in rock music today. Check out his solo in "A Long Way Home." After attacking organized religion and the government, American Zen speaks of family values in "All Screwed Up." This song, as are all the songs on the album, is about experiences in Coyote's life and travels. He pumps out more than a dozen songs per year, but only writes when he 'feels' like it. "I've always disagreed with music teachers and publishers," says Coyote shaking his head. "I believe songwriting is an experience, not an exercise." All the songs on this debut album were written by Coyote after moving to Utah with a really cute blonde girl. "We tried to warn him," explains bassist Tom. "Fortunately, we got him to come back to California." Produced by Richard O'Connor, this album is a masterpiece with most songs allowing only one track per each of the four musicians. "We recorded this album in Utah with a 4-Track recorder and it was good for the band to not think in terms of overdubs. Even the guitar solos had to be cut with the basic tracks. So this is an almost 'live' album. They even sang their backing vocals while playing their instruments." So, American Zen may not be a new religion, but it does appear to be a fresh new rock'n'roll spirituality.