Press

"Around" CD Review by K. Reynolds, Writer's Block, WDVX
Never think of Mick Byrd as limited. A true lyricist and storyteller, Byrd has always written a good song and has found a home, quite nicely, in the Americana genre'. But his newest release, 'Around', really shows how diversified he is as a writer, artist and vocalist.
The CD starts off strong with the slightly dark title cut, "Around”, allowing a driving beat to carry the listener along the lonely trail of someone searching for a connection. Then it takes an immediate turn in the opposite direction with 'Away', a ballad proclaiming that type of love that "blows" one away. It's sweet and emotional while still being slightly 'pop-ish' and not at all what you'd expect after having been taken on the rough ride of the first song. This roller coaster continues to travel on, bringing surprise after surprise with each track.
Byrd cites influences ranging from Jazz to Rock to Bluegrass and back again, and while you can usually expect to find him in the 'Americana' bin at the local record store, the myriad of influences are clearly represented on this release. 'Whisper' does anything but, with a seriously rock driven tempo and accompaniment. 'Gravy Train' tosses a bit of Blues into the mix, appropriately so with it being a song about big dreamin', hard workin' blue collar folk. 'Did It Ever Occur' is full out, right down the pike, country and is beautifully delivered by guest vocalist, Kristan Hassler. Byrd even takes on the genre' specifics of an Irish ballad with 'Table of Friends' and captures it perfectly with skilled guitar work and a gentle delivery, both vocally and lyrically.
Make no mistake...that comfortable and well fitting Americana groove is evident in tracks like 'Sometimes', 'Old School' and 'Colorado Sky.' But the overall 'feel' of this disc is that everyone can find something to like. It never allows the ears to become bored, which is a true feat in a day and age when 'cookie cutter' songwriting is frighteningly common.
One could never consider Mick Byrd, as limited or pigeon holed. Nor can he be accused of taking the easy path and simply shooting for commercial market. This artist delves into the very guts of what constitutes a well written song and delivers, every time. He's what true fans of independent, original music, covet and collect. -Karen E. Reynolds, Host/Program Director, Writer's Block, http://www.writersblockonline.com
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Karen E. Reynolds, Singer Songwriter
www.myspace.com/karenereynolds Host/Program Director, Writer's Block www.writersblockonline.com
www.myspace.com/writersblockonline
Consultant, SoundAdvice Musician Services
www.SoundAdviceMusic.com
Vice President, Indiegrrl-Women In The Arts Non-Profit
www.indiegrrl.orgInstructor,
Univ of TN-Craft of Songwriting and The Music Business www.outreach.utk.edu/ppd
Instructor/Board Member, ProMusicU, Nashville www.promusicu.com
Instructor/Mentor, Country Music Hall of Fame, Words & Music Program www.countrymusichalloffame.com


"Around" CD Review by M.Wheeler, TNT-Audio, UK
Audiophile Review of “Around”
http://www.tnt-audio.com/topics/winter2010_e.html

“With a musical style described on his website as Americana, your old scribe wasn't expecting Mick Byrd's opening track on Around to sound so British! With vocal harmonies uncannily reminiscent of Bad Company on this opener and guitar so redolent of the late Paul Kossoff (Free and Back Street Crawler) on the penultimate tune, that the rootsy American feel of intervening tracks' travels around the musical world of the North American landmass feels at times like a journey from the old world, through the New World and back again. The nation that spawned the Gran Ole Opry at Nashville is honoured (Nota Bene English spelling) in some blatant tearjerkers that surprisingly moved my partner to tears on a car journey. Her tastes are usually more Pogues than Parton so this emphasises the emotional power of this material and its performance.

Mick is joined on vocal by Kristan Hassler and it is her haunting tones that most pull at the heartstrings. At times Mick's guitar reminds of the folk roots of Garcia or Thompson. Production is slick without becoming shiny and dynamics are about average for good roots recordings and thus far better than most country or rock. The CD sleeve is a beautifully produced resin coated cardboard gatefold of the kind loved by your old scribe in preference to the foul fragile 'jewel cases' that have plagued the CD since the days of the 'Compact Cassette'. The sleeve notes invite loyaltyand interest from the listener and handwritten touches from Mick and Debbie Byrd remind us of wholesome friendliness, which is such a change from relentless commercialism. Without a Gran Ole Audio system most of us would never get to hear this stunning performer which is why hifi is good fer yer health.

Mick's statement, "It's a joyful experience to write a song. it's a neat thing. It's fulfilling." is obvious
from this CD.~ Mark Wheeler, TNT-Audio, Derbyshire, UK


"Around" CD Review by C Rhodes, Muse's Muse Music Review
Logging in at just over 47 minutes, the CD kicks things off with “Around” a melancholy intro piece that serves up driving rock rhythm accompanied by well impressive solo guitar licks, & well placed harmonies by Byrd & company. Track 2 “Away (Ellie’s Song) shifts gears a bit with soothing acoustical duet that is sincere as much as it is genuine. Track 3 “Just the Blues” delivers full tilt saloon style piano, with impressive pedal steel picking making for an impressive bluesy type groove. As the CD slowly unfolds you will notice a lot of musical variety from Byrd & Company. The music itself has a lot of emotional peak & valley effect to it. Many songs possess a very carefree & uplifting spirit while a few offer up a very honest assessment of life experiences. The CD offers a rich melodic vocal foundation, & lush layers of instrumentation. This catalogue touches all the bases from rock, to pop, to country, to folk & blues, to even a classic Celtic ballad & hard rock. I would classify this music as classic Acoustic Folk & Americana Rock/Blues with a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies & melodic reinforcement. Besides the standard 4 piece delivery you will also notice brief splashes of fiddles & strings, harmonica, pedal steel, piano, & delightful harmonies layered within the music. Honorable mentions go out to some of the sizzling piano & solo guitar chops showcased on the CD. All in all the CD has some truly impressive moments on it with musical influences reminiscent of such classical acts as the Eagles, Bob Seger, Little River Band & perhaps a splash of Dr. John. From Passionate “Like That” & "Colorado Sky” to heart felt “Sometimes” & "No Road Like That” to striking “Whisper” to hard rocking “Black Hole” this CD pretty much has something for just about everyone. I especially enjoyed many of the bluesy rock grooves like “Gravy Train” & “Old School” that will get the toe tapping without even trying. The CD ends with “Table of Friends” even an Americana/Irish ballad. The CD comes fully loaded with 13 tracks & packs a lot of musical variety to boot.

In close Mick Byrd’s Around CD is a compelling musical collection. Like the aforementioned the CD packs a lot of musical variety & emotional highs & lows along the way. The musicianship is rock solid for the genera. All songs are short & sweet musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair, & signature groove. I look forward to hearing more material from Mick Byrd in the near future.
~ Cyrus Rhodes, Muse’s Muse Music Review, -President, Indie Music Media, LLC, Seattle, WA
[NOTE: There is no pedal steel on the CD. Brad played an electric guitar with an effect pedal and much Talent!]


Jimmy Lawson
Mick - Your music is very relaxed and Upbeat type music and I could listen all day long. Thank you for allowing your music to be aired at JimmyLawson.com I-Radio (Live365)

Karen E. Reynolds
“This guy is a storyteller in the truest sense. His songs reach into your soul and play around with your heart, leaving it changed when he leaves. And, this change, after the moving experience of Mick Byrd’s music, can only be for the good.” - Karen E. Reynolds, Writer’s Block, WDVX, Knoxville, Tennessee

Clint Harding
Mick’s songs immediately draw the listener into a world we all can hope for. Complete with a slower pace, comfortable surroundings, cleaner air........ Every song comes with it’s own story (although rarely necessary to get the point), and when delivered in a relaxed south-central Missouri drawl one can feel that this is what it must be like to sit around the cracker barrel on the general store porch on warm summer nights listening to the local storytellers. Characters that could only come from real life experience emerge from his lyrics; from the troubled kid (you may have known too well) to a rural “trashman”, to deep abiding love tempered by years of really living it. This is stuff with tons of integrity.
His voice is right in that timbre and range where you just close your eyes and start to relax. I could hardly believe this is also a man who coaches championship high school athletic teams! I have no memory of any of my coaches ever making me feel at ease much less relaxed. I can just see Mick quietly taking a player aside, his ham-sized hand resting on a shoulder, discussing how to execute a play.
Next time you have an opportunity to hear and see Mick Byrd, you shouldn’t need to be coached.
- Clint (The Voice) Harding, host of “Blue Highways/No Limit”-KOPN 89.5fm, Columbia, MO; former host of “Blue Highways” -KDHX 88.1fm St. Louis Community Radio 1988-2004


Michael Noland
(review of “Live At The Focal Point”) “Once known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Jade, this is just Mick and his guitar on a stage at the Focal Point in Webster Groves, Mo. A very good guitar player, songwriter and singer caught in a intimate setting with what sounds like a highly appreciative audience. I really enjoyed listening to these songs and will probably check him out the next time he’s in town.”
- Michael Noland, The Midwest Music Review (April 1999) St. Louis, Missouri

John Mier
“Like Shakespeare’s Marc Antony, Mick Byrd has a request. The self-described ‘Americana singer/songwriter’ is a storyteller with plenty to tell, if you’ll just lend him your ears. ...if you’ll take a moment to tune in, you’ll be turned on by the stories and observations he has to share. ... You don’t need a TNN video to see the story....” - John Mier, freelance writer, Jefferson City, MO

Dr. John Galliher
“All the students with whom I have talked agree that your performance was outstanding. They especially liked the combination of folk, rock and blues, as well as the powerful, moving and original lyrics.” - Dr. John Galliher, University of Missouri-Columbia - Peace Studies Program