Search - Michael Tomlinson :: Way Out West

A musical gift for the heart

Tim I. Martin | Corona, CA | 12/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Way Out West" will surely please fans who've been waiting for Michael's latest band-backed masterpiece, and win over those who are not familiar with this rare talent, a man who can entrance an audience with nothing but his guitar, his voice, and his own songs. His solo acoustic artistry is now enhanced and flavored by ear-pleasing harmonies and instrumentation by some very talented musicians, including Miles Gilderdale of Acoustic Alchemy. The balance of voice and back-up is just right, and as always, the words are straight from, and straight to, the heart. "Valentine" is a catchy reminiscence of a young man's unrequited love, "Big Moon" a call to nature over technology, "Seattle Skies" a lovesong to Michael's adopted hometown, and "Flag of Human Kindness" a call to the souls of an entire nation (and a song endorsed by our 44th President). The rest of the selections, carefully crafted and fine tuned before being finalized on this CD, are also a tribute to an artist who works hard with his music -- putting the most in so that we can get the most out. Whether for yourself or someone you care about, this musical delicacy is a true gift."

On My Top Ten Albums of the Year

M. Anthony | Aukland, NZ | 07/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How is it that an album like The Way Out West suddenly bursts out of the mass of indistinguishable CD releases, and song after song is filled with unforgettable melodies, lyrics worthy of a poetry prize, and I've never heard of Michael Tomlinson before? I could understand it if this were his first album, but I checked his website after hearing this stunning new disc and was astounded to find that it's not only NOT his debut album, but that he has released nine previous CDs, every single one of them filled with rich, articulate songs.



LIstening to The Way Out West, I thought of how much I used to love listening to whole albums, lying on the carpet with the album cover open, reading lyrics, looking at pictures, soaking in every nuance of every song. That's how magical this record is. It doesn't matter what genres of music you think you like; Jazz? He's got a voice that sings circles around most jazz singers. Singer-songwriter? This guy should be teaching the art form. Folk-rock? He belongs right up there with Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, Shawn Colvin, Sting and Sade. I've probably never heard another artist to so thoroughly draw from several styles of music and so distinctly make them his own. Listen to the dynamic story of the title tune, The Way Out West, or his sultry, playful delivery of Valentine, the warm, deeply compelling phrasing of Seattle Skies. I've had The Way Out West for a month and am nowhere near ready to stop listening to these songs. I already cannot wait for his next release. ~ M. Anthony, Song Journal, Auckland, NZ"