Multi-instrumentalist Mike Ian Releases New Americana Album “Waterworks Junction - Time Will Tell”

New release under the band name“Waterworks Junction” - A work from longtime friends and collaborators Matt Janda & Mike Ian and introducing Gab Howarth.

New music with an Americana, Rootsy vibe to it with elements of Bluegrass. Some of these tunes date back to the late 90’s where Mike & Matt recorded demos at Mike’s home studio, Eyeball Studios in NJ. At that time the tunes had a more progressive, Peter Gabriel type vibe with Mike performing instrumentation and both Mike and Matt performing vocal duties. Mike had met Gabby a few years back and was quite impressed by her vocals. The two started gigging together quite frequently. Matt then approached Mike at one of their gigs with the idea of having Gab do vocals for a resurrection of these older tunes. A female approach if you will.

The three members fine tuned these tunes both musically and lyrically over the course of a year and were quite happy with how it was shaping out. Mike had the chance to perform on a multitude of acoustic instruments including mandolin, pedal steel, upright bass, drums, piano, etc.  And various guest artists performed throughout. It turned into a full 14 song album entitled “Waterworks Junction - Time Will Tell” - The story of a woman from adolescence to her senior navigating the landscape of her life, loves, contemplations, desperations, and all of the other fabrics weaving the tapestry of her life. From a carefree childhood, through marriage, World War I, childbirth, the depression, World War II, the 50’s, the turbulent 60’s, and into the second Age of Enlightenment- the 70’s.

The artwork was once again done by Mike’s daughter, Ivy whom also did last years release “The Learning Tree”

Mike Ian

Track listing:
1. Time Will Tell
2. Something About You
3. River Of Hope
4. West Texas Plains
5. I Go Knockin’
6. Renew My Faith
7. Waterworks Junction
8. And When You Fall
9. The Promised Land
10. This I Do Not Know
11. Know Not
12. You Come And You Go
13. The Best I Can
14. Whisper Your Name

Mike Ian - all instrumentation, vocals
Gab Howarth - vocals

All tunes written by Matt Janda/Mike Ian/Gab Howarth

Guest artists include:
Rob Paparozzi - harmonica
Billy Patterson - harmonica
Tamara DeMent Gillece - violin
Elizabeth Mendoza - cello
Bob Ferguson - trumpet
Nick French - accordion/vox

Produced by Mike Ian & Matt Janda
Recorded/mixed by Mike Ian
Artwork by Ivy
Mastering by Tom Volpicelli

For more information: https://mikeian.com/waterworks-junction

Available on all streaming platforms

YouTube links:
https://youtu.be/Xk7iw63gSYs
https://youtu.be/GhwQuvQaX2U
https://youtu.be/xzeIsF4CDTQ
https://youtu.be/bTHntyUcBxk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Multi-instrumentalist Mike Ian Releases New Conceptual Prog Album “The Learning Tree”

Mike Ian announces his return to original vocal music, bringing a new, large-scale, progressive sound to fans with the release of his next album, “The Learning Tree.” Now available, the new record brings back vocal elements not heard since his 2010 release, “Puzzle Pieces.”

Multi-instrumentalist, Ian recorded all the instruments and vocals for “The Learning Tree” in his studio, Eyeball Studios, in Cinnaminson, NJ casually spanning as far back as 2004 onward. Upon deciding to finally complete this massive project this year, freshly recorded drums and vocals were added to complete the project and give it its final touches.

Lyrics always eluded Mike for completion of this project. The music has such a grand quality about it. And to put lyrics to match such a project was proving difficult. A few phrases were sporadically laid out amongst the tunes in the early infancy years. And a few phrases stuck. But the project lay dormant for years until lyrical inspiration would come to complete this massive music project. But for Mike, the lyrical inspiration never did come. Finally, collaborating with lyricist “Troy Raleigh,” Troy brought life to “The Learning Tree” with his poetic, and explorative lyrics. The words fit seamlessly and take the listener on a spiritual journey of reflection, inspiration, exploration, salvation, and love.

Watch the promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTBnQA7fnP4

“The Learning Tree” is composed of 9 tracks each of which is an epic adventure within themselves. The opening title, “A Pirate’s Dream,” conjures up the thrill of the pirate life in the deep seas, and the adventures and dangers of the nautical, seafaring life. While “Something More Nothing Less” questions why love must be earned and fought for to have its rightful presence. The CD was mastered by Tom Volpicelli at The Mastering House, PA. Artwork for the project was done by Mike’s daughter, Ivy.

“‘The Learning Tree’ by Mike Ian is with ease the best album produced by the artist, it is one that has made its way onto my playlist of timeless choice, and it is one of the finest works in the rock and progressive rock genres I have heard for at least the last 5 years, this album is that good, is it totally unforgettable, and my advice to all those thinking about purchasing this album is, don’t think, buy it now, your senses will love you forever.” - Steve Sheppard Music Reviews

“The Learning Tree” is now available on all digital streaming platforms and CD. Also in limited quantities, a 5.1 surround sound Blu-ray, mastered by Scott Hull from Masterdisk, NY will be available.

The learning tree of life has many branches. Come experience its growth from its roots to its apex. How a dream in sleep awakened one’s spirit on a journey of reflection, inspiration, exploration, salvation, and love. Embracing the ever changing winds in one’s life with great fortitude…

Dream away into reality.

And climb the learning tree of life.

Track listing:

1. A Pirate’s Dream
2. Happily Ever After
3. Cast In Stone
4. Hereafter
5. Next Stop Anywhere
6. Saved
7. Letter To Home
8. Something More Nothing Less
9. Shine On

Produced by Mike Ian
Recorded/Mixed at Eyeball Studios, Cinnaminson, NJ
Stereo mastering by Tom Volpicelli, The Mastering House, PA
Surround mastering by Scott Hull, Masterdisk, NY

To purchase: https://mikeian.hearnow.com/the-learning-tree

For more information visit: www.mikeian.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com