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Chuck Pyle has won high praise
from both fans and peers alike throughout an inspired
performance career of over 40 years. When reviewers first gave
him the "Zen Cowboy" moniker, he decided to, as he says, "Always
ride the horse in the direction it's going," and took the
nickname to heart, shaving his head and blending his upbeat
perspective with old-fashioned horse sense. He mixes
infectiously hummable melodies with straight-from-the-saddle
poetry, quoting bumper stickers, proverbs, world leaders and old
cowboys. An accomplished
songwriter, Chuck's songs have been recorded by John Denver, The
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Suzy Bogguss. Country fans know him
best for writing, "Cadillac Cowboy", recorded by the late Chris
LeDoux, and "Jaded Lover", recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker.
While fans love his recordings, they adore Chuck's live
performance. The first time he made an audience laugh, he was
"hooked". A nimble guitarist, critics say his sense of rhythm is
more like a fine classical, or jazz, soloist, his songwriting
musically sophisticated yet full of uncluttered space. The Chuck
Pyle Finger-Style approach to guitar has distinguished him as a
true original, earning him invitations to teach at such
prestigious events as The Puget Sound Guitar Workshop and The
Swannanoa Gathering. His music has made him a favorite of Bill &
Melinda Gates who have had him play at their home in Seattle.
Since writing the theme-song for a PBS series called Spirit of
Colorado, he's attained local fame, and even sings for the
opening session of the Colorado State Legislature.
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