Michael Gannon – What’s Your Gold
Besides being a musician, Michael Gannon is a thinker. He realizes that the emotions and aesthetics of music can reach the depths of our spirit. Thus, his liner notes state that this album was “written as a whole,” and it is best listened to as a “continuous musical narrative.” To reach into both his and our hearts, Gannon starts the journey with a question to all listeners, “What’s Your Gold?” He states, “Life is what we live for, lose yourself and breathe. Love is what we give for.” Along his all-original musical journey (self-written, played and produced), we hear a young musician displaying sensibilities and truths well beyond his years. We experience feelings of hunger, anger, solitude, growth, independence, enlightenment, perseverance, commitment, and conviction.
Following “The Storm,” the album’s odyssey ultimately ends with a deep statement about serenity, “Be at Peace.” “Up and down through the sunlit hills. The rhythm put me at ease. Matched my step note for note and the echoes through the trees were singing, May you always be at peace.” Gannon’s music creates reactions and then builds on them, cultivating them in such a way that they reach into listeners’ hearts and create a bond between musician and listener. Blending rock, folk, blues, funk, soul, and world influences, Michael Gannon’s music has a cerebral side. It expresses the strong human need for purpose and necessity. He appreciates the elements that many genres bring to the diverse musical table as he taps into the unique expression and character from each. As one example, the understated synthesized banjo sounds are quite novel.
As he relates the chapters from his story, Gannon’s inspiration, energy and desire flow freely. Part poet and philosopher, the musician creates moods and voices with his primary instrument (guitar), piano, percussion and other tracks. It’s a solid, unified, enjoyable journey. However, I would make one recommendation. After the final track draws to a close, listen to the opener “What’s Your Gold?” one final time to contemplate this verse, “I don’t know when this life will end for me, Or how to plan for a future I can’t see. But choose the road where love is gold, and all you need, Follow wherever it should lead, that’s the road for me.” A reprisal of that thought seems in order. With an approach and attitude like that, Michael Gannon and his listening fans are sure to find contentment with this music. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR., CD Insight)
