Mike Gutierrez-May’s "Light Still Shines The Same" - A Folk-Poetic Reflection on History, Humanity and Heritage

In a world where musical storytelling often leans toward the personal, Mike Gutierrez-May takes a broader approach, exploring history, humor and human connection into the richer fabric of "Light Still Shines The Same".

Rooted in folk traditions with global influences subtly shaping its overall sound, the album carries poignant reflections on historical conflicts right through to intimate moments of grief and redemption. Gutierrez-May is able to speak to the heart while engaging the mind.

The title track “Light Still Shines The Same” opens with a quiet, unassuming acoustic riff that soon blossoms into a layered composition reflecting on colonial history and the resilience of Indigenous cultures. Guitarist Cliff Goodwin’s evocative lead lines add an almost mournful edge, complementing Gutierrez-May’s lyrical examination of how the past informs the present. The storytelling tradition here that recalls folk greats like Pete Seeger or Buffy Sainte-Marie, both artists who recognize that song can be both documentation and reckoning.

Elsewhere, Gutierrez-May shifts from historical to deeply personal themes. “Five Twenty Four” stands out as a meditation on loss, with a sparse yet atmospheric arrangement amplifying the raw emotion behind losing a beloved pet. This song, which is much like the contemplative “When Dawn Comes To The City,” has the idea about finding the sacred in the everyday. His delivery is unembellished, direct and emotionally charged lending an honesty to these moments that feel universal, no matter where in the world one might be listening.

However, Gutierrez-May is not solely a balladeer of sorrow. He infuses the album with wit and satire, as demonstrated in the cheeky “Marijuana Gummy Bears Picnic” and the Groucho Marx-inspired “Hello I Must Be Going.” These tracks bring an unexpected levity, reminding listeners that folk traditions have long included humor as a means of social critique and cultural expression.

While primarily grounded in an acoustic folk framework, "Light Still Shines The Same" nods toward world music influences in subtle ways. “Destiny” features a rhythmic structure reminiscent of Latin and Mediterranean folk traditions, while the album’s overall sonic palette is enriched by instrumental textures that reflect a broader musical curiosity. Stephen B. Martin’s production and Joe Clapp’s engineering ensure that these elements remain cohesive rather than disparate.

What sets Gutierrez-May apart is his ability to bridge the personal and the historical, the humorous and the profound. His lyrics act as windows into lives lived, injustices endured, and small joys cherished.

For fans of folk music with substance, storytelling and a touch of global consciousness, "Light Still Shines The Same" is an essential listen.