Mike Stephens is an amazing singer-songwriter. Deep, witty, dark, touching, funny, these are the adjectives that apply to his music, which is folk, but with a definite bluesy-gospelly bent. The triple threat of his velvet buzz-saw of a voice, smooth guitar, and unforgettable lyrics make him a folk singer for the ages. Mike can speak volumes in a single phrase, which days later may still be bouncing around your brain trying hard to decode the shades of meaning.
As his producer I have been shocked more than once at the simple elegance of his music, and it has been an honor to help him to interpret his vision. Pick any song, and you will find a story that has real meaning for us all. They seem to transcend the typical, and go straight to the heart of listeners of any age or background. These are the stories we can all relate to. And they run the gamut of emotion and setting. "Tiny's Dying Song" allows someone on their death-bed to ease the burden of his family, by plainly stating that "it's time to fly". "Taco Stand Blues" introduces us to a pan-handler in an urban setting who understands that his appearance will be disconcerting to the average passerby, but all he wants is something to eat. It's funny, and it's enlightening too. But that's Mike, he'll hit you on many levels whether you want to be or not!

Mike's new album "Highway 101" is slated for release in the spring of 2007, and it will be like a bright new star on the horizon, filled with sorrow, humor, anxiety, but also hope and optimism. These songs will be your perfect companion on long drives, and are also tailor made for the silver screen. The songs in this collection are all over the map, some are solo performances with just Mike and his trusty Ventura six-string, while others are huge orchestrations. The experience of listening to this album is like listening to the radio, where the landscape is constantly changing.

Mike has been compared to so many folk and country music luminaries: Bob Dylan, John Prine, Tom Waits, Arlo Guthrie, Willie Nelson, Leonard Cohen, and others. The truth is that none of those comparisons apply. Mike is a unique voice on the folk music scene, but he's so talented that it's natural to try to draw parallels to the greats. A reviewer at the internet music site garageband.com said of Mike "he's no Bob Dylan". Well, I agree with that, but I bet Dylan would dig it!


Mark Meisel
Counter Clockwise Music

The Open Mike Cafe Radio Show

July 4, 2007

Title	Genre	Released	Plays
Your City of Angels	Folk	Jul 5, 2007	220
It Ain't No Sin	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	146
Where Does The Time Go, Missus?	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	159
Video for She's looking for a Boy	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	152
If I had a Penny	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	155
You Can't Tell Me Where To Go	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	159
The Cat in the Soup	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	153
Laredo Street	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	151
Tara Sings	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	140
Wolf Man Blues	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	158
Big Legged Woman	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	167
The American Dream Music Video	Music Videos	Jul 4, 2007	147
Simple Case of Rape	Folk	Jul 4, 2007	263
The Stars Can Wait	Folk	Jul 3, 2007	205
Highway 101	Rock	Jul 1, 2007	348
She's Looking for a Boy	Folk	Jul 1, 2007	196
Tiny's Dying Song	Folk	Jul 1, 2007	270
Hallow's Eve	Folk	Jul 1, 2007	250

Title	Artist	Genre	Plays
B3 Blow Out #1	JodyG	Jazz	323
When The Right One Comes Along	maestrodog	Pop	228
Stop the War - Requiem, Kyrie	dirigent [+1]	Alternative	567
Shoot the viceroy	woofer3	Comedy	471
Desolation Row	Dylan	Folk	1423