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Raised outside of Charlotte, NC., Michael has played guitar and bass for more than 30 years with many bands as well as in studio sessions. With a diverse taste in music, Michael has performed classical, jazz, bluegrass, blues, country and rock music throughout the southeastern US.

Michael's primary musical styles are jazz/rock/blues fusion as well as acoustic fingerstyle. While these may seem different, somehow there's a common thread with all of Michael's music.

*** the good photos are by Jim Potts of Papa Razzi http://www.paparazzipro.com/

Michael's primary equipment:

Electric guitar: 1973 Telecaster, 2007 Stratocaster, 2003 History ZLS-100; 1974 Gibson SG, 1998 Gretsch Sparkle Jet, 1999 Parker Fly, 1958 Gibson ES-225, 1973 Fender Jazz Bass;

Amps: Many vintage Fenders (including 1962 bassman, 1965 Princeton Reverb, 1968 Super Reverb), 1984 Marshall JCM800 combo; 1977 Peavey Classic (I know...but it's a really awesome amp!)

Acoustic guitars: 2006 Beauregard SJ, 1969 Martin D-35, 1984 Rhyne, 1994 Takamine classical, 1952 Gibson LG-3, 1955 Gibson LG-1.

The Songs

Under The Raven Moon Recorded circa 2002, Bass is fretless curbow and guitar is Parker Fly. It's a short tune that was originally composed for a website. I really like the groove and texture.

Homebrew Featured in March 2009 Guitar Player Magazines "Editor Boy's Big Eight" column. "Creech tackles the rhythm...with a laid-back, muscular attack that lifts the groove into a kind of Hendrix meets Joe Walsh feel." Written around 2000 and recorded in 2008. The groove really compels this song. The harmonic structure isn't as challenging as it sounds at first...hope you enjoy it. I played the Parker Fly for all the guitar parts; Bass is the ever faithful Jazz bass, and keys are on an old Ensoniq SQ1. Near the end the 16th notes are a nod to Rocco Prestia, the greatest finger-funk player ever! Check out Tower of Power.

Jazzmati I wrote this song around 1983 when I was in high school. I went many years without playing it until I resurrected it in 2007. Here's a fresh recording as of 2008. The rhythm guitar is a Takamine J16 which is an interesting guitar. It's designed to be a jazz acoustic; it does rhythm well but not solo (it's too thin sounding for that). The first lead guitar is the 1984 Rhyne; the second lead guitar is the 1952 Gibson LG-3.

Hard School Written in 2004, recorded in 2007. I played a Takamine acoustic and the slide guitar is a dobro played through a tiny Danelectro amp which always delivers cool tones. Lyrics are by David Laughter.

A Day In The Sun Written in 2009 during a much needed vacation. I had so much fun with my dog Bonnie playing outside in the sun that I got inspired. Actually some of the music had been sitting around for many years, but that's why I record snippits when they hit me! All acoustic guitars are the Beauregard. The electric is the Parker Fly run through a rotary simulator and delay. I really like the sound. I think this is a great tune for relaxing!!

Why Written around 2001, recorded in 2008. That's the Martin D-35 acoustic on rhythm and the Parker Fly on the swampy electric parts. The fretless bass seems to work pretty well too.

Tell Me Written around 2000, revised and re-recorded in 2009. That's the Martin D35 run direct and mic'd with a nice AKG C451.

Transylvania Breakdown Written in 2009. Recorded on the Beauregard guitar. The song is named for Transylvania County, NC where I live. I love bluegrass, hope you like this short tune.

Madison The lyrics were written around 2000 after receiving a picture of my newborn niece, Madison. Still wonder what she was looking at. The music came together in 2009 as I was playing around with DADGAD. That's the Martin D35 run direct and mic'd with a nice AKG C451. Hope you like it - I think it's really nice. (The only problem having written this song is now all my brother's kids want Uncle Mike to write them songs.)

Reflections On Grace Written in 1985 but revised in 2008. I've recorded it many times, many ways. This is a version with only two guitars. The primary guitar is the Beauregard; most of the lead work is done on the LG-3 which is a guitar with an old soul.