MIKE KISSEL: Life Goes On

Mike Kissel

Life Goes On

© 2006 Mike Kissel (634479226878)

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Americana with a dash of Country, Acoustic and Folk added in for good measure

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notes

My name is Mike Kissel and I'm a singer/songwriter trying to hold true to the tradition of James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Robert Earl Keen Jr., and many others who have already paved the way.
I have many other diverse influences including Steve Morse, Randy Rhoads, The Eagles, Tommy Emmanuel, Pure Prairie League, Heartsfield, Pink Floyd, Metallica, El McMeen, Larry Pattis, Megadeth, Marshall Tucker Band and Dave Mason. As from this list, you can see why I might be hard to pin down, but overall, I hope I write songs that are from the heart and that mean something to others.

I was born in June of 1963 and I grew up listening to Ian and Sylvia, Pozo-Seco Singers, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Beatles and other Folk/Rock influences. It was my mother, Susan Freidland, who is really the one who should be credited with showing me how much music can play a role in one’s life. These musicians, along with my mother, took a deep root in my musical foundation.

As the 70’s gave way to the 80’s, I became, increasingly, influenced by the Heavy Metal/ Hard Rock guitar that was sweeping the nation. Bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Dokken and many others shaped my intended approach to playing guitar and writing songs.

Life, love and time took me away from those influences into the 90’s and guitar playing became secondary to raising 2 young children and keeping alive a thriving marriage. For 8 years, my guitars sat in a closet collecting dust.

Then, in late 1998, a miraculous event occurred. An old friend and guitar player, one I highly respected, reminded him of how guitar playing does not mean disregard for responsibility. It was the lifestyle I was surrounded by that had tainted my ambition. And so, I began playing again, doing fingerstyle and acoustic covers.

After a few years, the creative juices began to flow again and I began to write songs. This CD, Life Goes On, is the culmination of those efforts.

I hope that the listener will enjoy my songs as they are truthful and honest. Each set of songs, book-ended by instrumentals, tell a different real life story. Listen closely, and maybe those stories will mean something to you.

Mike Kissel

reviews

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  • Life Goes On
    author: Tom Wisnowski

    About a year ago Mike was kind enough to share some of his music in an online group. I had no idea when i first listened to I'll Be Alright, what other gems were on this CD. Yes i now own several copies, some were presents to good friends. It's a wonderful collage of real music, heartfelt & very refreshing! Great work Mike, it gets played often here!! Why 5 stars? It deserves them!! Great CD..buy it! :-) Tom Wisnowski

  • Nothing But the Best
    author: Greg Butcher

    This is an amazing look at an artist of quaity, he has written an album of songs easy to relate too. giving each and every song it's own identity. Full of many colours and arrangements that will keep you listening over and over again. love this well written album. great job Mike. fan forever.

  • Excellent
    author: John Nye

    Mike Kissel gives a great performance on this CD. Beautiful guitar to great blues licks. I am glad I stumbled onto it.

  • Songs (and some instrumentals) from the heart
    author: Brian Ralston (Self Tort)

    In general, country music is not my favourite genre. It takes something special to attract my interest to "country" music and there are a number of "somethings special" on this CD that did it for me. Firstly, the music is from the heart, about experiences that we've all been through or can empathise with. Secondly, Mike's voice is one of those that really grabs you....you can tell that when he's singing something he means it. Thirdly, although his voice is fantastic, you'll be mesmerised just as much by his instrumental tracks. "O'Brady", "T&L Waltz" and "Cole Mind" are just as captivating as the vocal tracks. A great CD that bears repeated listening. The influences come clearly through the music, but it in the end what you're hearing is Mike Kissel. And if you don't play "Christmas Day" at least a half a dozen times on 25 December each year, you're missing out on a lot of fun. Great CD. Highly recommended.

  • Great Instrumental Tracks, as well as lyrics with feeling
    author: Richard Aberdeen

    I especially like the instrumental tracks on this CD and the song "Day By Day" captures the true emotion so lacking in much of the schlock currently on mainstream radio.

  • It's Americana at it's best!
    author: Farrell Jackson

    When I think of true Americana music, I think of a mixture of all styles and instruments thrown together in the big melting pot to come up with a rootsy, folksy, bluesy, jazzy, rocksy, celticish, countryish style that creates a sound of it's own. One that speaks directly to the blue collared working folk's life experiences. Well, Mike Kissel has done it with this collection of finely written and performed songs. Right on! If you dig Robert Earl Keen, then this CD is a must and when you get it, don't forget to take off your shoes and settle in because you'll be there from the opening song, filled with that whiskied, smokied voice, to the final note. Farrell Jackson

  • Musically moving, a lyrical pathway to the heart.
    author: Frank Northcutt

    OK, I played on a couple of these tracks, and I've known Mike (via the internet) for over a year now, so my opinion may be predjudiced. The songs on this CD speak to the struggles, events, and relationships encountered by all of us as we travel through life. I enjoyed the intellegent musical structures that carry these stories, the melodies that stick with you, and the lyrics that dig deep into your chest. Songs about alienation "Into Your Eyes", failed marriages "Life Goes On", reuniting after time apart "I'm Coming Home", and the loss of a loved one in war "Your Soldier Boy", are only some of the masterpieces on this recording. Interspersed are beautiful Celtic tinged instrumentals, showcasing Mike's dazzling finger-picking guitar style. If you enjoy life-stories, framed in the music of Americana, country, and a variety of acoustic styles, don't miss this gem. It shines brightly.

  • Musically moving, a lyrical pathway to the heart.
    author: Frank Northcutt

    OK, I played on a couple of these tracks, and I've known Mike (via the internet) for over a year now, so my opinion may be predjudiced. The songs on this CD speak to the struggles, events, and relationships encountered by all of us as we travel through life. I enjoyed the intellegent musical structures that carry these stories, the melodies that stick with you, and the lyrics that dig deep into your chest. Songs about alienation "Into Your Eyes", failed marriages "Life Goes On", reuniting after time apart "I'm Coming Home", and the loss of a loved one in war "Your Soldier Boy", are only some of the masterpieces on this recording. Interspersed are beautiful Celtic tinged instrumentals, showcasing Mike's dazzling finger-picking guitar style. If you enjoy life-stories, framed in the music of Americana, country, and a variety of acoustic styles, don't miss this gem. It shines brightly.

  • LIFE GOES ON is a CD that a workin' family man can relate to...
    author: Charlie 'Pinedog' Williams

    LIFE GOES ON is a pleasure to listen to for me because it speaks about real life, feelings, and relationships. The instrumentals are very emotional and will touch your soul. COLE MIND is world class soundtrack material. Overall this CD is one that will hold up over time as it makes no demands on the listener but has much to offer. Nice addition to my music collection.

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