BAND: American Zen
ALBUM: LEVEL 1 = Peace of Mind

American Zen was founded in 1992 when Coyote moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Unable to create a rock band in Utah, Coyote performed solo flute shows and performed flute for other Utah bands in recording studios and night clubs. After laying down tracks on his 4-track recorder and waiting for his Los Angeles musicians to travel to Utah... Coyote ended up finishing the album all by himself. "I thought I was creating placeholders for my friends to record over... but they were touring with other bands... so I ended up playing their parts for them. When Bruce Candelaria showed up to be Steve Hixon (the drummer) he heard my drum parts and said I'd done as good or better than him. I told him, 'No way!' But Bruce insisted. He said there was magic in this album and the album should be released the way I recorded it."

Prior bands of Richard Del Connor (The Hippy Coyote) included The Rich punk pop trio, and Coyote in a Graveyard rock opera.

Song List EPK: LEVEL 1 = Peace of Mind album
by American Zen

All songs, lyrics and poetry written by Richard Del Connor, The Hippy Coyote.
Original 1992 credits: Richard O'Connor and The Coyote.

Songs (in album order)

1. Peace of Mind #2

genre: Classic Rock, Folk Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: youtube.com "Peace of Mind #2" by Scott Karahadian
DESCRIPTION: Sensitive, dark, song seeking peace in a sad yet hopeful reflection of a San Diego trip.
Original song includes flute intro and solo. These could be played by a different instrument.
In "Peace Of Mind #2," Coyote tells the story of one of his wanderings in Ocean Beach, California, and how he just walked into a backyard party and began jamming with the band on his flute, which he always carries with him.
Author COMMENTS: First version of song was "Peace Of Mind." Coyote rewrote lyrics to be less tragic and more inspiring after visiting friends and family in San Diego.
Song used in OTHER PRODUCTS
Soundtrack: Kung Fu Cowboy: Rock & Roll Movie 1

2. Black of Night

genre: Classic Rock, Hard Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Foreword 1" page
DESCRIPTION: A pounding rocker born of intense frustration when Coyote's belongings were stolen and located in a Utah garage. Coyote got a court order and arrived with two Sherrifs to claim his belongings. This happened before Coyote had located an apartment. There was snow on the ground and Coyote was living out of his van. A difficult time indeed. The song starts with acoustic guitar and organ. This album was recorded on 4-track so the second verse replaces the vox organ with a pounding hard rocking stratocaster blasting through a Marshall amplifier. This is one of Coyote's grundgier songs. This angry sixties sounding song still has a spiritual perspective and grundgy hard rock power similar to Nirvana and Led Zeppelin.
Author COMMENTS: This is the second song written after moving to Utah. Robbie stole Coyote's stuff and locked it in a garage. Coyote had to come out with a Sherrif and court order to get his music instruments, song masters, and typewriter back.
Song used in OTHER PRODUCTS:
Soundtrack: Kung Fu Cowboy: Rock & Roll Movie 1

3. Whose Heaven is This?

genre: Alternative Rock, Christian Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Foreword 2" page
DESCRIPTION: Quirky fast-paced rebellious satire about religious persecution. Rory G plays ukeleles instead of electric guitars to create a comical contrast to this song of frustration. Drums and bass are so wild that this may qualify as a jazz song.
Author COMMENTS: Coyote's defiant response to being targeted by Mormons in Utah who sought to drive him out of the state and back to California.

4. In the Darkness

genre: Classic Rock, Progressive Rock, Alternative
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Foreword 3" page
DESCRIPTION: Acoustic guitar and drums play sticatto rhythms similar to song "Bolero" on speed. A bouncy melodic machine gun bass plays two solos that would normally be an electric guitar. The instrumental song starts hauntingly slow and spooky but picks up tempo led by Coyote's powerful and energetic acoustic guitar. The analog synthesizers by Rory G add an alien quality that also makes it more retro than digital keyboards could. Instrumental slow-to-fast song featuring analog synthesizers. The bass solos are awesome.
Author COMMENTS: Originally written with lyrics, Coyote decided to record it as an instrumental song because the words were too depressing. The lyrics are on the LEVEL 1 album, "In The Darkness poem."
Song used in OTHER PRODUCT
Soundtrack: Kung Fu Cowboy: Rock & Roll Movie 1

5. You've Been Sold

genre: Folk Rock, Country Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Foreword 4" page
DESCRIPTION: An anthem anyone can relate to since we've all been disappointed before. This can range from being sold a bad product to being tricked into believing and participating in something that takes more than it gives. "You've Been Sold" is the anthem of unhappy customers everywhere! Could refer to products or religion or politicians... Song is led by Rory G on electric slide guitar.
Author COMMENTS: Coyote was criticising the Mormons and how many react when they grow up and realize they are being tricked and manipulated. These 'disenfranchised Mormons' flocked to Shaolin Chi Mantis and ShaolinZen.

6. Free the Change

genre: Classic Rock, Hard Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Foreword 5" page
DESCRIPTION: A solid pounding power chord hard rock song with oppressive Vox organ and distorted Rickenbacker bass. This anthem of youth rejecting the dominant social forces resonates with some wisdom about personal freedom. Aimed at all those who are BLIND followers. Power chords resonate with personal freedom as Coyote leads the brainwashed Mormons to independent thinking.
Author COMMENTS: Another Coyote response to Mormon powers that limit creativity or artistic expression. Mormon teens are titled, "elders," and are shipped around the world to be proselytized as they market their religion to public.

7. Trust Me

genre: Pop, Classic Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Foreword 6" page
DESCRIPTION: A romantic song that sounds like an early Beatles song. Coyote always says, "Don't trust anyone who says 'Trust Me.'" Yet, here he is... Clever and fun song about a genuine affection for a cute newspaper delivery girl named, Tina. This song was actually recorded in 1979 by The Rich and is from the Village Recorder Sessions album. This song was added as a "radio single."
Author COMMENTS: Commercial jingle producer, Dave Shields, told Coyote, "You Need a romantic title song." Coyote quipped back, "Like 'Trust Me'"? Dave agreed. It took Coyote a couple months before he found the inspiration: his newspaper delivery girl.
Song used in OTHER PRODUCTS:
album: The Rich: Village Recorder Sessions

8. Simple Lady

genre: Folk Rock, Ballad
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Foreword 7" page
DESCRIPTION: Romantic ballad of love and memories. Coyote's original version features two flutes and acoustic guitar. Potent lyrics seem to inspire everyone to remember their own lost loves.
"Simple Lady" is reminiscent of "Ruby Tuesday" by The Rolling Stones.
Author COMMENTS: Written during first Utah winter. Recorded on Tascam 4-track cassette recorder by Coyote, the two flutes combine and separate in a wonderful arrangement.

9. All Screwed Up

genre: Classic Rock, Hard Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Foreword 8" page
DESCRIPTION: Truckin' rockin' solid rock'n'roll song about a screwed up family. "All Screwed Up" represents the American family which has gotten much worse since the song was written. The song's story is about a truck driver having a sexual affair in Los Angeles while the wife is having a relationship with a neighbor teenager. The children are watching violent shows and decadent commercials while the wife plans a divorce and alimony with child-support payments.
Author COMMENTS: Written about Michelle's brother Robbie and his wife Becky. Coyote lived with them a short, miserable time. They confiscated and held Coyote's belongings for ransom when he tried to move out of their basement.
Song used in OTHER PRODUCTS:
soundtrack: Kung Fu Cowboy Rock & Roll Movie 1

10. A Long Way Home

genre: Classic Rock, Folk Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Album Page"
DESCRIPTION: Wild jazzy rock song that bounces to a bitter yet hopeful beat. Version #1 features a wah-wah guitar and Jethro Tull-style flute by Coyote. Lots of poetic imagery describes life in Utah and the various gievances Coyote had about their conservative and inhibitave policies. He also mentions his job teaching Shaolin Kung Fu and Yang Tai Chi to maximum security inmates. Wild jazzy rock wah-wah guitar leads frantic drums, Jethro Tull style flute, and Coyote’s image laden poetry.
Author COMMENTS: Written by Coyote about missing his lives in California. He'd only been gone a few months, but he knew something was wrong, and that he was trapped... far from the ocean...

11. Thank You

genre: Folk Rock, Classic Rock
lyrics: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Tom Calder Bio"
DESCRIPTION: Pounding rhythm similar to "The Jean Genie" by David Bowie. A song of appreciation that every man should be able to sing to his mate. "Thank You" is a song of appreciation. At the end of the song on the American Zen album, LEVEL 1 = Peace of Mind, Coyote says, "Thank you Michelle." Women have contacted Shaolin Records expressing how this extra person 'thank you' warmed their hearts. Michelle was a Shaolin Records intern before they moved to Utah together.
Author COMMENTS: Coyote wrote this to Michelle in 1992, thankful for her allowing him to create his Shaolin Chi Mantis Kung Fu school and continue recording his music on his 4-track cassette recorder. Coyote believed she was helping.

11 Poems

1. Introduction

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "The Coyote Bio"
DESCRIPTION: "Introduction" is a foreword for Coyote's poetry book, Utah - Phase 1. Since everyone always thinks Coyote is so happy and carefree, he was compelled to inspire his audience to look deeper into his life and realize that his happiness was self-motivated since his actual life was turbulent, frustrated, and disappointing. This is the first of the 11 poems on the album.
Author COMMENTS: The original cassette of LEVEL 1 = Peace Of Mind, completed in 1994, had 11 songs and 11 poems. The 11 poems were recorded at Coyote's desk in stereo.
Poem used in OTHER PRODUCTS: Utah - Phase 1 poetry book.

2. Get Out of My Dream

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Rory G Bio"
DESCRIPTION: "Get Out Of My Dream" is a spoken word poem requesting that a past love not haunt current dreams. Despite any good memories and reliving of old times--the future can be spoiled by including the past.
Despite fond memories, even a good memory can spoil a current dream.
Author COMMENTS: Coyote wrote this about his first wife, Raquel, who had entered one of his dreams and spoiled it after enticing him...True dream.
Poem used in OTHER PRODUCTS:

3. In the Darkness poem

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Don dela Vega Bio"
DESCRIPTION: Dark, ominous, song and lyrics. The poem is a stern scolding to stop being depressed and go out and enjoy life. Sounds like a Jim Morrison poem.
Author COMMENTS: Richard Del Connor wrote this lyric-poem about a British songwriter of the rock group, ANK, he signed to Shaolin Records before relocating to Utah. He was a talented songwriter, but broody and moody. Richard was supposed to produce his album.
Song used in OTHER PRODUCTS: "In the Darkness poem" is the lyrics of the instrumental song, "In the Darkness," on the same album, LEVEL 1 = Peace of Mind by American Zen.

4. Last Year

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Steve Hixon Bio"
DESCRIPTION: Nostalgic look at a child growing up and developing independence. Interesting metaphors and themes. As a Mr. Mom, Coyote raised his daughter and enjoyed raising her while mother Michelle worked a full-time job. Recorded in stereo like all poems of LEVEL 1 = Peace of Mind.
Author COMMENTS: Romantic realization of how fast kids grow up and change. "Caitlin is closing any open door..."

5. When Children Are Unwanted

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Richard O'Connor Bio"
DESCRIPTION: Sad, dark questions about how children are injured by being ignored or misunderstood. Coyote is creating the question, "Is ignoring your children a crime if they don't learn how to speak and their health is poor from bad eating habits?"
Author COMMENTS: Coyote wrote this about some in-laws who were not caring for their chlldren well. Houses full of cigarette smoke, they grunted commands or waved their arms in sign language.

6. Nurturing Your Life

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "Album Credits"
DESCRIPTION: A passionate expression of love towards one's child. A promise to always be there and care for someone you love. Coyote was a Mr. Mom, so the poem is from a maternal and paternal commitment. A parent's contentment can be measured by the contentment of their children.
Author COMMENTS: Coyote wrote this about Caitlin O'Connor as a toddler. If she hiccupped in her sleep, Coyote would wake up and be at her bedside.

7. The Power

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "T-Shirts"
DESCRIPTION: A spiritual warning by Coyote that power is good when it builds and bad when it destroys. This is Coyote's definition of 'Good and Evil.'
Author COMMENTS: More Catholic than Zen, this inspirational thought by Coyote has meaning, warning, and wisdom about how we all affect the world and other people.

8. The Teacher Was He

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "LEVEL 1 Entrance"
DESCRIPTION: Appreciation for a teacher that doesn't realize they're being appreciated or how much they've helped. Coyote wrote this song to "Burns Kellogg" of Mint Tattoo and Blue Cheer. Although Coyote met "Ethan James" at his Radio Tokyo Recording Studio, Coyote did not fully inform Ethan that Coyote's bass playing was learned partly by playing to his Mint Tattoo album. Burns gave Coyote several compliments during the recording sessions. Coyote replied, "I had a great teacher." When Coyote finally reached out to present a "thank you" to Burns Kellogg and share this poem... he found out that Burns Kellogg / Ethan James had passed away.
Author COMMENTS: Written about Ethan James, who was Burns Kellogg of MINT TATTOO and BLUE CHEER. Coyote met Ethan when recording songs for Alisa & The Nomads at Ethan's studio in Venice, California.

9. Spring Rain

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "LEVEL 1 Home Page"
DESCRIPTION: A poetic view of rain on the roof and its' ability to mess things up which starts life fresh.
Author COMMENTS: Written by Coyote listening to the rain on the roof of his Utah home.

10. It's tough...

poem: americanzen.org
related website: americanzen.org "American Zen Home Page"
DESCRIPTION: Teamwork and commitment are difficult to perform, difficult to expect, but what we all want. Coyote visualized the fingers of his had when he wrote the poem and was trying to identify the unifying principle to keep them working together on the same goals... Although Coyote is a very good team player, his moving to Utah had erased all of his connections, networks, friends, and business contacts. In 1992, long distance phone calls made it very expensive to communicate across state lines... so Coyote was really stranded from Los Angeles. His new bandmates of Utah were also disappointing him in professionalism and artistic efforts.
Author COMMENTS: 1991: Coyote whining about teamwork problems and the disappointments we receive. Disappointed at ending up alone without any partners, he was still hoping for his wife and daughter to be his partners.

11. My Woman is My Wife

poem: americanzen.org
related website: shaolinCOM.com "LEVEL 1 Album Website"
DESCRIPTION: Coyote's sexy poem about his marital sex life. Coyote is encouraging others to consider the bliss of a permanent partner.
Author COMMENTS: Coyote settles into marriage and monogamy. Coyote is content with his sex life and feels free to express himself.

Album available from Shaolin Records at:

product page: LEVEL 1 = Peace of Mind ALBUM at shaolincom.com (Shaolin Communications)
product page: LEVEL 1 = Peace of Mind ALBUM at shaolinrecords.com

About Shaolin Records:
Shaolin Records was launched in 1984, releasing vinyl records and cassette tapes of Kung Fu music from Santa Monica, California. With its' origins in Shaolin Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism, Shaolin Records strives to 'enlighten and entertain™.'

Media Contact:
Richard Del Connor
Producer, Shaolin Records

www.ShaolinRecords.com

About American Zen:
American Zen is led by The Hippy Coyote who fronts the band playing an Alvarez 12-string acoustic guitar and his 1975 nickel-plated Selmer-Bundy flute. Coyote is a renaissance man who writes all the music, lyrics, and poetry. Since 2011, most people know him as the 'singing flutist,' "Kung Fu Cowboy."

www.americanZEN.org