CHUCK PYLE

The Journey of a Zen Cowboy

Every once in a while one encounters an artist whose very nature seems to capture a portion of the glorious and heartbreaking complexities of the human predicament and who also possesses the gift to express that portion in a unique and compelling way. Chuck Pyle is one of those rare artists.
~ CHARLES YOUNG Nashville Songwriters Association Santa Fe, New Mexico
By Matt Kramer

huck Pyle sings with a smile that brightens up the room, delivering songs and stories cradled in wisdom so deep it could have been forged in the molten granite that gave birth to the Rockies a million centuries ago. Pyles guitar playing is equally solid, a rich, rhythmic, rolling finger picking style that has some people looking around for another guitarist but its all Chuck Pyle, seamlessly blending lyric and melody with signature warmth and humor. The uninitiated may think theyre listening to a cowboy, and they are. But somewhere in the concert, your sense of being shifts; youre not just drinking in music and lyrics; a new element is blossoming within, unnamed, undefined but you feel a dimension opening and youre seeing life with new eyes and ancient sagacity. Maybe thats what inspired a reviewer, a long time ago, to adhere the title, Zen Cowboy, to Pyles legacy. Pyle will not take all the credit for this magic. My audience inspires me; its time to quit if they dont. While he spoke about being a word guy, he does not make the mistake that dogs many writers who sacrifice the song for the sake of the message. Lush music and seasoned lyrics inform each other, like a marriage mingling love and respect, they entwine perfectly, enticing you into their journey. Occasionally Colorado photographer John Fielder will join Pyle in performance; the two will share the stage with Pyles songs adding dimension to Fielders loving

homages to the beauty of Colorados natural treasures. These traveling performances awaken those who may be taking their paradise for granted unaware of what they are losing to unsustainable development. Some who hear Pyle for the first time wonder why they havent heard of him; why doesnt he get airplay? The answer is fairly simple; his songs are not shallow enough for the commercial record and radio industry. To Pyle, commercial music generally isnt very interesting; it tries to deliver an instant sell that seldom stands up to the test of time. Pyles music does play well the first time but some songs require a few listens before they begin to unfold, revealing layers of depth, perception and nuance. He has many evergreens, such as his signature song, Colorado that never wears out. A highlight of Pyles live performance is his song, Keeping Time by the River that delivers an ever changing stream-of-consciousness commentary on observations of life gleaned from bumper stickers, quotes and slogans hes run into his travels around the country. On a recent night, the audience chuckled, roared and groaned to such sayings as, remember a conclusion might just be where you got tired of thinking, and always ride the horse in the direction it is going. Wise words from a Zen cowboy who knows how to ride that horse. You can learn more about Chuck Pyle (and his tour schedule) at www.chuckpyle.com

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A Distinctive style . com

A Distinctive style . com

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