This Side of Town by Mike Maves

Born and raised in a Canadian border town, Maves' song writing inspiration comes from such places as the lives and deaths of musicians and from his own musings on North American history, social and environmental issues and everyday life. The tunes take their form from his strong desire to tackle dark and complex topics with deceptively simple songs.

Maves' music comes from a deep well of influences, ranging from obligatory hard rock to folk, roots and country oriented artists like Van Morrison, The Band, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard and Neil Young. The variety of influences shows in the range of styles that stream from his debut album "This Side of Town" released in July 2005. Songs range from the nearly one man show "Death Row Lament", an ode churned out in first person from an entirely remorseless death row inmate to the full-on, full band rocking country of songs like "Went to Memphis", complete with some huge piano, dirt in your mouth harmonica and ripping slide guitar.

In some cases you're drawn through the lyrics and left reeling on the other side. The environment conscious "Our Hour Now" is 400 years of social and environmental history in under 4 minutes. If that's too heavy, the liquor fuelled, honky tonk of songs like "Hot Damned" are sure to bring you back up for a minute of air.

As you listen to this album you may be left wondering how low this guy can go, and how much anguish he has endured. There are very few happy teeth and silver linings here. Just stone cold reality and at times when it looks like things can't go any lower Maves can somehow push it through the floor again.

A peak at the music already in the cue for the next 2 albums brings further excitement about Maves' potential to make an impact. Uncut gems like "Ashes", "Never Had a Daddy" and "Empty Bottles" are already flooring fans at live acoustic performances.

Look for more from Mike Maves before the year is out.

What people are saying about This Side of Town....

"With tunes inspired by the harder side of life, This Side of Town delves into country music themes and tones that Nashville no longer considers "proper country music" and does so without apology."

"This writer definitely has an unusual, authentic lyrical style that should not go unnoticed.."

"...lyrically and melodically this is incredibly simple --- and satisfying"

"The whole experience is touching and melancholy."

"...fits right in with the Americana stylings of Steve Earle and others.."

"...shines and grinds all in the same breath."

The band...

On keys, Greg Dechert. Among his countless credits, Greg played keys with Uriah Heep, Bad Company and toured as part of David Gilmour's (yes that David Gilmour) band. On guitar and bass Roger Marin Jr. and Darcy Yates, former players from the legendary Fred Eaglesmith's entourage the Flying Squirrels. On drums, former Fifty Diamond Rocks drummer and Vegalite frontman Matt Keighan. Mike Butler and Frank DiTillio from the incredible funk outfit Matinee Slim and the Ultralight Orchestra put their two cents worth in while pedal steel wiz Burke Carroll, and guitar players Sal Piccirillo and Mark Murphy help make this album burn.

And eclectic group of musicians, turning solid songs into inspired music makes This Side of Town a must listen!

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