half pint by Mike Golay

amritsond.com

There are a lot of different styles at work here, from Folky-type fingerpickin' stuff to some really lyrical work and even a classical influenced piece to wrap up the CD ('Morning Prayer') plus the whole CD resonates with a very nice Celtic feel. A very musical body of work indeed, and my personal standout track has got to be 'Jack of Hearts' because of the emotional feel of it and the arrangement is just simply BEAUTIFUL...this one really sings and tugs at the heart - timeless writing simply put!

I've listened to the CD a lot and the guitar tone is lovely, with a very warm sound and presence and the playing is right there, melody is up front and the communication of the pieces comes across as Mike intends. There is a lot of emotion at work here, this stuff I just LOVE... My overall view is that "Half Pint" is a FINE self-produced CD...with a certain Peace in it that I really like and appreciate, that intimate quality where you really get to know the artist over the course of the 45 minutes.

Congratulations on a wonderful debut release. We are now in a time where people really want to hear MUSIC and this is a superb offering - it settles the spirit with its soul.

Intimate Reflections, Meditative Visions

by Henk te Veldhuis

Bridge Reviews, The Netherlands

http://www.xs4all.nl/~guitars

Happily surprised I was with the debut album "Half Pint" from Mike Golay. This acoustic guitarist hails from Washington, D.C., in the USA. Mike Golay has a very reflecting way of composing and his compositions are all played in open tunings. His way of playing reminds one of Don Ross, in the percussive "Beverly Jane" opening track. "Waltz for Brooklyn" is very intimate and has some Celtic nuances which is perhaps inherent to the DADGAD tuning. Mike uses a six string blue Taylor 612CE guitar. "Chincoteague Drive -In Saturday Night" has a nice Celtic feeling, on which Mike slaps and does some string pulling, which give this composition a dancing character. "Tune for Ruthie" has a very intimate melody line in a DADBBE tuning with a capo. On "Jerry Said" Mike uses a Dobro guitar and he has a real capturing, moving way to play slide guitar. On "Baby With A Hammer" Mike uses many hammering and pull offs which make this piece fluent and very intimate. The tuning is CGCFGC, which has this nice deep bass. "Morning Prayer" has a classical approach with a repeating pattern. "St Martin's" is played in open Bb tuning, the composition has a meditative character on which you feel involvement and expression of Mike's visions. Mike Golay is certainly a great talent, not only as an acoustic guitarist but also as a composer. His style is unique and I guess this album will attract any acoustic guitar player.

An Uncommon Concoction

by Jim Tozier

Progressive Celtic Fingerstyle Guitarist

http://www.jimtozier.com

Mike Golay is an impressive new talent.  His debut CD, Half Pint, showcases his unique combination of feel and flair.  One minute you'll be carried along by a Hedges-inspired groove, and the next, Mike will tempt you with sweet melodies reminiscent of Bensusan.  Very few players are able to achieve this blend of technique and taste so successfully.

Solid Acoustic Debut!

by Kevin Lawver

http://www.lawver.net

Let me say up front that Mike is a friend.  Second, let me also assure you that I'm a jerk, and my friend-ness will not influence my review.  With that out of the way, this album is great.  All the songs are good and worth the price of admission.  About half of them, though, are works of art, destined for enshrinement in some temple for music. Waltz for Brooklyn, Tune For Ruthie, Jerry Said and 111 Archer are my personal favorites from the album.  They all convey raw emotion, skillfully presented by Mike with a light touch and no pretense.  There's no obvious engineering or remixing.  The sound is honest and forthright, without a lot of trickery or inside jokes.  It's very well done, and is a welcome addition to my library.If you like Leo Kottke, Bela Fleck or Bill Frisell's work, pick up this album.  You won't regret it.

News:

Mike is busy finishing up the distribution for Half Pint (you know, getting people to care). He's currently playing small, local venues, and more dates are in the works. You can see his live dates here:

http://bansheewerks.com/frivolities/geetar/dates.shtml

If you are interested in booking Mike, or you feel the need to yak at him for whatever reason, please use the following contact form:

http://bansheewerks.com/talk/

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