Inspiration
by Mike Moutoux, Western Entertainer & Cowboy Poet

Every once in awhile I’m asked about my source of inspiration; a common question for writers I’m sure. I answer it this way: I find myself inspired by other artists. I’ve been around a bunch lately and all inspire me in one way or another. They all make me proud to be a part of this music and poetry community and inspire me to work harder to make my contributions a little better.

At the Tyrone festival a few weeks ago, the Desert Sons put on a great show with a variety of classic and contemporary western music. Their set sure made the point that this music is timely as well as timeless. Thanks for the inspiration, guys. They have a new CD out, which I’m not getting to listen to very much because my wife has been keeping it in her car. www.thedesertsons.com

Kearny Arizona brought a bunch of folks together and I got a chance to see Journey West for the first time. They now have five members and feature three part female harmonies as well something I’ve never seen in a western band: a clarinet player. My first reaction was, “that’s not very traditional.” My second was, “how nice.” The clarinet filled in like a violin might for other groups. So they are stretching the genre a bit, but are staying grounded in the strong traditions of western music. Good for them. You can find them at www.journey-west.com. Check them out if you see the group’s name on a schedule.

I sure hope that I, in turn, inspire some of the others. Meantime, I’m kind of happy that I can share a stage now and then with the greater talents out there.  Let’s all keep the music coming.