THE WAY OF THE ZEN COWBOY is a new collection of 35 short stories, which are based on Barrett’s personal experiences in environments around the world, as well as wisdom tales heard directly from indigenous elders, his grandparents, and some of the cowboys and veterans he was mentored by. The book also comes with a digital download of the new double album from the Barrett Martin Group, SONGS OF THE FIREBIRD. The album is composed of 20 instrumental songs that serve as a parallel soundtrack to the stories in the book. The album is also available as a CD and embraces everything from modern jazz, to Afro-Latin rhythms, to ambient and electronic music, all of which feature the best and brightest musicians in Seattle, including special guests Peter Buck (guitarist for REM), Wayne Horvitz (New York jazz legend), and Kim Thayil (guitarist for Soundgarden).