Colorado Cowboy Wears Zen-Gallon Hat

By David Schultz
For The Transcript

Long ago Chuck Pyle was once described as the Zen Cowboy by a
newspaper reviewer because he would sprinkle his life's philosophy
among his songs.  His songs have been recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker,
John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Suzy Boguss, and Chris
LeDoux.  Oklahomans will have an opportunity to hear the Western Zen
Master perform Friday night April 30 at the Blue Door in OKC.

Pyle describes his music as "Neo-Folk Cow Poke" or "Acoustic and
Western-Folk Pop Cow Bop".  His latest album "Keepin' Time By The
River" is a fantastic piece of work, featuring guests Jerry Jeff
Walker, Tish Hinajosa, and Jennifer Warnes.  The album includes Pyle's
humorous side on Chuck Brodsky's "Blow 'Em Away", about the trials of
the daily commute, and "The Remember Song", about a forgotten lunch
appointment.  It also includes his original cowboy classics
"Colorado", "Sedona Ramona", and "Stars".  "Step By Step" is a musical
rendition of Pyle's philosophy, sort of his version of "Everybody's
Free (To Wear Sunscreen)".

Speaking about how he mixes religion with original western songs, Pyle
relates, "My mind is like a bad neighborhood---I never go there by
myself.  I take God with me, my higher power."  Having played the
Western folk and campfire circuits for over ten years, his message is
finally being heard:  "Take responsibility, but don't be so hard on
yourself.  God isn't waiting around to judge and destroy you.  For
every mile of road there's two miles of ditch, so be glad you're on
the road."

Audience members can expect to hear pieces of his "One-Fact Play:
Zen-Gallon Hat".  The one fact is that some things have to be believed
in to be seen.  The play is a conversation between a Zen Master and a
cowboy, realizing that each have similar philosophies.  For instance,
when the Master says, "There is no place where we arrive at which we
may remain," the cowboy replies, "Life's a trail, not a camp."

Moran Productions is hosting Pyle's performance on Friday night April
30 at 8 pm at the Blue Door in OKC (2805 N. McKinley).  Tickets can be
purchased in advance at CD World or at the door.  For more
information, call 528-4527 or visit http://www.telepath.com/emoran/mp.

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