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(Jersey City, N.J.) — Gary Van Miert’s philosophy of saying “yes” when asked to do things outside his comfort zone has taken him to some really interesting places. perform under the nickname, Sensational country blues spectacle!, Van Miert is a singer, songwriter, musician and entertainer specializing in American music. “I have my own unique take on American roots – classic country from the ’50s and ’60s, family spirit songs from the golden age of gospel, and great blues going back to Mississippi and Chicago.”

Combining these elements to create a “one-of-a-kind” musical experience, his sound has recently evolved to incorporate elements of ’60s psychedelic music into the mix. Psychedelic Cowboy Adventures (release date September 2, 2022) is an album of deeply introspective, psychedelic, whimsical and spiritual songs. The collection is influenced by 60s psychedelic art and music such as Jimi Hendrix Experience, 13th Floor Elevators, Peter Max and Salvador Dali. Other influences include traditional country music, Lewis Carroll and British music hall filtered through The Kinks and The Beatles. “During Covid isolation, I spent time reflecting on my life, trying to understand what it means to exist, and exploring my sense of awe for the universe,” he explained. “This song loop is a product of that inner journey.”

As the founder and leader of The Sensational Country Blues Wonders!, Gary Van Miert has long been a major figure in the Jersey City arts scene. He diligently devoted his talents and time to various charity concerts and church services, and spent time at the Jersey City Public Library leading and developing an educational program focused on music from American roots. Playing music has been a hobby for most of his life. “It was exciting to go out and perform and be a local celebrity/celebrity when I was in my fifties,” he admits. His band played hundreds of shows in the New York and New Jersey area and shared the bill with national actors Marshall Crenshaw, The Smithereens and Evan Dando.

Van Milt and the sensational country blues spectacle! released their first original album, the world will break your heart Received many national and international accolades in 2020. Americana Highways claims that Van Miert is “…a brilliant blend of classic country, blues, and gospel…” while Americana, Roots, Country, & Bluegrass Music states “There is no doubt that Gary Van Miert A master of American root music.” The record was written before the pandemic, but was recorded during it. Out of necessity, the instruments were recorded remotely using a service in Nashville, Tennessee, which provides Nashville session musicians with Van Milt recording his singing in his home studio. Psychedelic Cowboy Adventures The same process was also documented and used during the pandemic. “I’ve found this to be a very effective way of working,” he said. “I’ve recorded vocals at home and it’s definitely easier than in the studio.”

songs on Psychedelic Cowboy Adventures Written during Covid quarantine, more introverted, nostalgic and personal. “Between the Covid variants, I was active. During the spring, summer and fall months, I performed many local outdoor shows with available local musicians. When Covid raised its ugly head again , I retreated and started the process of writing and recording all the songs on the album. This album was my “Revolver” and “Exiles on Main Street.” All in one! Experimental psychedelics mixed into their music with gospel, country and other American elements that the Rolling Stones used in exile.”

Ten song loops of all original material, Psychedelic Cowboy Adventures Combining all of Van Milt’s influences; gospel, country, American and rock, with experimental psychedelic elements. There are straight-forward Gospels, “I Begin to Live in the Light” and “God Will Bring Me Home”. Country ditty, “I’m a Caterpillar”, name checks Franz Kafka, rock and roll, “I have Memphis in my heart”.

The cosmic element appears in the first song, “There’s a Hole in the Fabric of My Reality,” a kaleidoscopic number about your perception of the universe and a breakthrough in your sense of wonder at everything. Musically, the song features sitars, melotrons, and theremins, creating an aural equivalent of a state-altering reality.

“Breathe” is a psychedelic nursery rhyme with a New Orleans twist, a cosmic nursery rhyme celebrating the miracle of breathing. “The Psychedelic Cowboy Song” is a puzzling tune about the infinite joy of exploring the universe. Musically, it has a chamber pop and psychedelic feel that allows listeners to imagine themselves floating in space. The baroque pop song “Life is So Freaking Beautiful” is a surreal song about the nature of reality and our realization that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

“Music of the Spheres” is a spatial sitar song about the natural harmonic tones created by planetary motion. It is based on the theory of Pythagoras and his followers in ancient Greece that the celestial bodies produce music. It doesn’t get any more psychedelic than this!

Van Miert considers himself a conceptual artist using music as a medium, and he continues to incorporate new and different influences into his work. “I always trace my music back to the source. What I do is not downplayed because I go back to the originator. Although I proudly wear my influence on my sleeve, I take the time to find my own uniqueness sound. We’re all influenced by other performers, but even if you’re doing someone else’s songs, you need to make them your own. I’ve always stayed true to my vision of what I think my music should sound like .”

Van Milt and the sensational country blues spectacle! Known for his exciting singing and acting style. Van Miert writes original songs that captivate audiences. “I also consider myself an entertainer who enjoys performing live and getting an instant reaction from the audience.”

To quote one of Van Mierts’ musician friends, “Whether he was leading a band to concerts or singing in church, it was clear that Gary Van Miert was a tireless force of nature who has and will contribute to the richness of arts and culture. Contribute to Jersey City’s wealth.” and Psychedelic Cowboy AdventuresVan Milt is sure to bring that energy to the rest of the country and beyond.