Miten
A self-proclaimed “old man,” Miten is known for over two decades of seminal work recording and touring with Deva Premal. Miten, originally from Britain, began as a singersongwriter-guitarist in the seventies, opening for such groups as Fleetwood Mac, and he has a string of super-fine solo albums dating back to 1976. In 1990, he discovered the power of meditation, met Deva Premal, and left the world of rock and roll behind.
I have always found him to be a Paul Simon–esque singer and songwriter—high praise indeed. His bag of musical tricks includes clever lyricisms, visionary themes, and a universal essence placed in blues-flavored and reggaetinged songs that speak to the heart.
On Temple at Midnight, Miten offers 10 original songs plus his version of “Norwegian Wood” —“an old man (me) looks back at the sixties and reminisces about a love lost.” Miten also reworks a couple of his past songs, “Humaniversal” and “All Is Welcome Here.” In the notes for the album closer, “Inescapable Love,” Miten says, “Why wait? We all have an inner light—now is the time to shine it on the world!” With rhythmic landscapes of pure delight from Joby Baker, Manose, Richard Moody, and Deva Premal’s occasional vocal magic, Temple at Midnight is a masterful album painted with broad brushstrokes of an expressed heart and wisdom gained from surrender, gratitude, and praising love. From the steady flowing gospel groove of “River Man,” the Zen blues of “No Goal But This,” the reflective “One Step at a Time” and “Exactly as It Is” to the rays of moonlight illuminating the Rumi-inspired lyrics of “All Is Welcome Here,” Miten pays homage to a life lived fully and without compromise. It’s a soothing ride on an inspirational voyage that brings you home to yourself. Hop on board! WhiteSwanRecords.com
—LLOYD BARDE (LLOYDBARDE.COM)