Michael Burkart began with playing music at the age of five when he discovered the joy of music through his uncle's harmonica. This was to be the beginning of his musical journey as he moved on to experiment with the guitar at the tender age of nine.In the 7th grade this budding interest in the art led him to join the school band and begin playing the clarinet.In his Freshman year of high school, Michael watched a performance by Michael Lemler, a great piano prodigy, that would change his life as this led to his love affair with the Piano/keys;the instrument he is most well known for today all over New Orleans. He decided to acquire a piano and proceeded to teach himself the keys. Michael never thought this hobby would lead to a professional career in music especially because he saw music as an escape.Others ,however, began to see his potential and he started playing with a few bands.He began playing with a local New Orleans band ,Sweet Pea's Revenge, playing harmonica and keys. The Leader of that band, Jim Brown asked Michael to find some B3 patches on his synth in order to produce that southern rock sound and from there his quest Of the Hammond B-3 Organ began. Shortly after joining Sweet Pea's Revenge, Michael joined the ranks of "The Revealers" playing reggae where he developed what he calls "my true teacher and influence to my percussive style". The rest , as they say, is history. Today Michael can be seen playing in some of thte best known music venues in and out of New Orleans. He is usually seen playing the B-3 organ but can also perform on the rhodes, clarinet, piano, harmonica , slide guitar and of course his vocals.
Michael has performed with such notable figures as Willie Green of the Neville Bros, Kirk Joseph of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Brian Stoltz of the funky Meters, Tony Hall, Anders Osborne, Eric Lindell, Papa Mali, Shamar Allen and countless other talented musicians. Some of his current projects include;Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives, the Revealers, Juice, Kevin O'day Band, WestBank Mike and the Fischer Project, Dr. Gonzeaux, Sol Fiya, Dose and the Underdawgs.
Michael Burkart is currently one of the few sought after B-3 organ players in New Orleans as few choose to carry this musical torch left behind by such greats as Professor Longhair, James Booker and Allen Toussaint.
Michael's music is an undeniable fusion of Funk, rock, Jazz, R&B and Gospel. This assemblage produces a highly infectious, very energetic and unforgettable sound. He plans to continue his musical dance with the B-3 and entertain those who choose to get down!
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