Hey - I Live to Play!

The internet is helping all of us to expand. The availability of music is so huge. Artists can reach people all over the world without getting pinned down by contracts or costs.

duh...

The story spans about 30 years. Back in 70, when Michael was about 16, he ran into, as musicians will do, a whole house full of other musicians. Jammin' daily, each encouraging the other to put their music down.

Michael has played in clubs, at concerts innumerable times throughout the years; solo and with bands. Through the 70's and 80's Michael's band Ha`upu ("Remembrance" in Hawaiian) played in Hawai'i at restaurants, bars, and parties, and in the 90's Michael played mostly solo gigs and concerts. His current outfit "The Island Blues Band" plays whenever timing allows.

Michael ran into Taj Mahal in 1980, on the beach at Po`ipu on Kaua`i, Hawai`i. A fortuitous meeting to be sure. After over twenty years of friendship, Michael is a member of Taj's Hula Blues Band, has worked with them on two CD projects, (Sacred Island and Hanapepe Dream) and tours with them playing the Blues and Taj's music.

Then, he met Casey Havens (his producer). Sitting around jamming in Casey's store on Kaua`i - FreeBorn Music, Casey one day says, "So when are you going to record?"

"As soon as somebody comes up with the money to finance me, I'm in there."

"When do you want to start?"

They started the next day.

See Michael's Website

All these players have pretty much grown up in Hawaii. Influences from County, Calypso (island music), Rock, Blues, R/B - You name it. Players like Taj Mahal, Gabby Pahinui, Sol Hoopii, Hank Williams (Sr.), Sting - music from the 20's, 30's... all add to the mix... That and Michael's own writing and style and of course each player's hand makes the whole.

When you see Michael solo - that's one thing. He'll get you up on your feet. He can play before a small crowd or in front of several thousand and it's always the same. You feel like you are in his living room. You just want to join in.

the Sea

Michael - SansAmp ^®, Martin Sigma Acoustic Dreadnought guitar, Ceniza Baritone Ukulele, Epiphone Zephyr Regent, Boss Super Chorus, Boss Compressor,

No special equipment folks - we just play

I read something by Napoleon Bonaparte` that said about sleep... "Four hours for men, six hours for women, and eight hours for children and fools..." I took it to heart. Give me 4 hours and I'm in there... but basically, I just need a nap.
Contact Michael at Contact