John Lyle, on vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards and percussion, with sterling help through the years from virtuoso guitarist, writer, singer John Murray.
Eight albums available on iTunes and CDBABY.COM -
KNOWN CORNERS (2007)
COOL FIRE (2005)
DOWN THE ROAD AND FAR AWAY (2002)
TOO LATE TO PANIC (2000)
BEAUTY LOOKS AWAY (1995)
HUMORS (1985)
HARD-COVER VIRGINS (1978)
BOOTLEG POWERHEAD (1971)
Influences
STONES, BEATLES, DYLAN, BIBLE, SHAKESPEARE, COLE PORTER, IRVING BERLIN, FROST, AUDEN, FREDDIE GREEN, T. S. ELIOT, JAMES BURTON, JONI MITCHELL, NABOKOV,NISARGADATTA, JACKSON BROWNE, SHAWN COLVIN, DOSTOYEVSKY, JESSE COLIN YOUNG, MUDDY WATERS, ERIC CLAPTON, DION, JIM REEVES, RAMANA MAHARSHI, ROY ORBISON, LITTLE RICHARD, JOHNNY HORTON, PROUST, MARTY ROBBINS, FREUD, VINCE GILL, HENRY JAMES, ELVIS, CHUCK BERRY, HITCHCOCK, AMOS GARRET, JACK GALLAGHER, GLENN GOULD, RICKY NELSON, PRESTON STURGES, NEIL YOUNG, CARL JUNG, ARETHA, LEONARD COHEN, KRISHNAMURTI, LARRY DAVID, BRUCE COBURN, EAGLES, LOVIN’SPOONFUL, JOHN BRADSHAW, MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT
KNOWN CORNERS review-
“This is superb poetry. But, better than that, these are beautiful lyrics, meeting all of the rhythmic and melodic demands of the fine music against which they are set. The styles are varied, but have one thing in common- passionate performance. There is folk, an Irish ballad, soul, roadhouse blues, grindhouse rock, an acoustic instrumental; all built around Lyle’s sure-footed guitar and soulful vocals. ‘Known Corners’ is an album about loss, acceptance of loss and getting back to what you had before you had anything. This beautifully sequenced cd is not kid’s stuff. If you listen to this in the car, be prepared to pull over.” - Warner Morgan.........
Biography-
Headed for a career as an English professor in the mid 1960’s, John Lyle was ‘broadsided’ by Bob Dylan and The Beatles. His degree went out the window, and so did he, playing in a series of bands and then performing on Canadian network television and radio as a solo act. He was also signed to two record labels during this era, but realized that because of his highly sensitive nature he was not cut out for the performing life. John returned to his home in the Vancouver area, and devoted himself to his family, supporting them with a career that may have been more dangerous than the perfomance stage. He became a postman. John Lyle’s wonderful body of work is evidence of a life lived on the streets and in the home, filled with all the love and loss and joy and despair that are part and parcel of being alive. The songs are vital, not written to imitate a commercial trend or to fulfil a contract, but to reflect the intensity of experience and to remain sane..........
'John's songs are amazing!' Frazee Ford (The Be Good Tanyas)..........
'We love John Lyle. We listen to him all the time.' The Sumner Brothers..........
'There's lots of nice stuff on there!' Paul Rodgers (Bad Company; Free; Queen).........
‘Magnificent!’ Robert Altman..........
John Lyle will take you gently to your safe place, and then sneak up on you with a song as uncompromisingly ferocious as a grizzly in a maternity ward.’ Dennis Albo, in his reality novel ‘One Bullet Left'..........
'The James Joyce of folk.' Heywood Banks........
.'Super passionate stuff!' Mark Smith.......
'Shivery gorgeous!' Aleta Penelope.......
Hi John, greetings from England! Many thanks for the friendship, comment, and great music! I really enjoyed your songs :) Thank you for taking the time to listen to my tunes, and glad you liked them too :)
Thanks for the friend request. I like to think of myself as someone who treats songwriting as a craft, with special emphasis on working at the lyrical side, so it was so refreshing to listen to your wonderful songs - great sound, great voice, excellent writing and a really nice feel to the music.
Thanks again for the add request, been listening to your album clips on CD Baby and now ordered the last 2 CD's, brilliant. Cheers from a big new UK fan
John, Earnest sweet tunes! I know who I am and Another Golden Dream are very heartfelt. Thanks for being a part of our community and for being in ours.
John I loved your song 'I Know Who I Am', and added it to the first big world list. (About 2/3 the way down.)
The BIG LIST - first world list of 100 Plus, best favorites from myspace and youtube. It's Musea's way of celebrating the best of new music of all kinds.
Week after week Musea, my 16 year old art and media zine scours myspace and youtube for the very best in music from every corner of the world for the world's first list of new great music. (Anyone can send me your music. That includes any kind of music!)
Musea's Worldwide Favorite Music LIST "100 Plus Favorite Music from Youtube and Myspace" http://musea.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/100-plus-best-music-from-youtube-and-myspace/
Hello John: Thanks for finding my humble singer/songwriter self. I find your songwrites to be very interesting and straight to the point, very enjoyable in this world of singer/songwriters today that have honed the craft to a super sharp edge by using hooks and fantastic word play just to tell a simple story. Im impressed with your songs I wish I had known of you before this meeting, you would have already been my friend. Ill be dropping by often to see/hear what you have new to say . STAY IN TUNE R.C.
Thanks so much John! Really enjoyed listening to your songs this afternoon. They are truly remarkable. I hope you get the recognition you deserve. Eilidh.
Hey John, thanks for being friend #300. But you know, you'll always be more than just a number to us! Big chords you're playing .. reminds me of good things. Have a splendid time! Nick from Isherwood
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