A local of Fall River, Massachusetts and now residing in neighbouring Somerset, Michael has been playing solo sets and supporting others with a varied showcase of his own work for over 20 years. However, in the past 5 years, Michael has devoted more time to his music...the results of which are collected in his debut release, "Whispers in the Wind ".
Michael will tell you he has lived several lives this time around....mill worker, fisherman, laborer and carpentar...however he has always come back to his first love which is music.....Michael is married with 4 daughters ( who inspired the poignant lullaby on the album ), all of whom play music.In January 1998, Michael began to make Tuesday night treks to Cambridge, MA to perform at Club Passim's open mics. Later that year, he was offered an opening gig for Bill Staines, and so started the idea of creating a recording.He is a familiar figure on the Massachusetts folk scene, playing his own original blend of folk and bluegrass and showcasing his songwriting talents.
His most recent CD, "Mill Town Boy" liner notes are below:
"You believe every word of it, every line of every song. That’s because Michael has seen it, done it, and been it. His songs are about real people who have real lives. People who work and love and triumph over everyday obstacles that we all face, and sometimes fail. He writes of the people that populate the seacoast of his native Massachusetts but are they that different from the people that you know? And as soon as you’ve heard the songs don’t you feel like you’ve known them all your life?
Michael is a rare observer who can condense a story into a few simple verses. He is a rare writer who creates poetry that sounds like speech. It seems to be just the way people talk, only better. Michael is a rare composer who writes melodies that sound like the people whose stories they carry.
In ancient days Michael might have been called a bard, but rather than telling tales of the epic battles he chooses to tell stories of the people whose battles are smaller but, in their own way, just as epic. As you listen to Michael’s songs you come to know these folks and you come to like them. As you listen to his songs you’ll also come to know Michael, you’ll like him too, and believe him, every line of every song.â€
Dave Palmater WUMB radio, Boston
Michael's Awards
WINNER: 2006 Wildflower Folk Festival Songwriter's Contest;
(www.magmusic.com)
WINNER: 2005 So. Florida Folk Festival Songwriter's Contest;
(www.southfloridafolkfest.com)
WINNER: 2004 Founders Title Folk & Bluegrass Festival Songwriter's Contest;
(www.foundersfestival.org)
WINNER: 2004 Boston Folk Festival Songwriter's Contest
(www.bostonfolkfestival.com )
2004 Kerrville Folk Festival New Song Contest; Finalist
(www.kerrville-music.com)
2004 Woody Guthrie Songwriter's Contest; 2nd Place Winner
(www.woodyguthrie.com)
2004 Chris Austin Songwriter's Contest @ Merlefest; 2nd Place Winner
(www.merlefest.org)
2003 USA Songwriter's Contest; Folk Category Finalist
(www.songwriting.net)
2003 Southwestern Regional Folk Alliance Conference; Emerging Artist Showcase
(www.swfolk.org)
2003 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference; Formal Showcase
www.nefolk.org
2003 FalconRidge Folk Festival; Emerging Artist Showcase
www.falconridgefolk.com
2003 Winterfolk II Festival; Emerging Artist Showcase
www.winterfolk.com
Michael has three CD's out, Whispers in the Wind, Romancing the Moon and 2009 release Mill Town Boy. If you are interested in purchasing either of these CD's they are both $15 each and you can contact [email protected].
