For those not in the know, 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.

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.

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

This quite stunningly opulent, atmospherically-charged new album opens on the beautifully crafted A Pirate’s Dream and the Celtic-imbued Happily Ever After and then follows those with the gently melodic AOR of Cast In Stone, the mid-tempo, uplifting balladry of Hereafter and then comes the acoustically-driven Next Stop Anywhere.

Up next is one of my own favorites, the rhythmically-prosperous Saved which is in turn backed seamlessly by the enthused storytelling within Letter From Home, the album rounding out on the quieter tones, at times, plushly euphoric at others within Something More Nothing Less, coming to an all too soon close on the balladry of Shine On.

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 Official The Learning Tree Promo Video Here!

Official Purchase Link

Official Website

Mike Ian @ Facebook