Artist description New Hampshire alternative singer-songwriter Mike McGowan draws upon diverse musical roots to deliver a high-energy performance with powerful vocals and upbeat rhythms. McGowan conveys a sense of intense urgency as he leaps between extremes of vocal range over an often breakneck accompaniment on acoustic guitar. McGowan’s music fits - albeit not very snuggly - into the “folk-rock” category. This music moves well beyond the constraints of the genre. An accomplished flat-picker and bass player, as well as a veteran of rock and country bands, McGowan’s songs include elements from jazz to bluegrass to funk. This is an eclectic blend of music with hints of Bruce Cockburn and Ani DiFranco and more than a passing nod to the Grateful Dead and contemporary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. Mike’s use of such varied forms may appeal more to new acoustic music enthusiasts than to traditional folk audiences. McGowan’s incisive lyrics offer haunting snapshots of life with vivid, sometimes dream-like (sometimes nightmarish) imagery, at times uplifting, at times disturbing. McGowan draws the listener in with stark self-exposure, exploring a wide range of human experience with authenticity, humor and honest self-assessment, with an occasional unexpected twist. Mike McGowan makes his home in Weare, New Hampshire. He can be seen at venues around the Boston/Cambridge area as well as northern New England.

Music Style folk rock

Musical Influences Greatful Dead, Pat Metheny, Phish, The Birds, Weather Report

Group Members Accompanying Mike on his CD, Timberline are bassist Dewees Johnson, drummer Fenando Johnson, and vocalists Shannon McMullen and Rose Morse.

Instruments guitar, voice

Albums Sparks, Timberline

Location Weare, New Hampshire - USA

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