Ray Davies, John Hiatt, Buddy Miller, Julie Miller, Tom Petty, John Prine, Joe Strummer, The Ramones, Warren Zevon.
Basically, I like any good songwriter who can find a new twist on what's all been said before.
Sounds Like
"Michael draws the audience into the music through his intelligent, sophisticated lyrics about common everyday subjects to which we can all relate. He sounds like Bob Dylan, if Dylan was born in Texas and moved to Santa Cruz".
- Ruby Slippers, KVMR-FM, Nevada City, CA
Like his song “Jack of All Trades” says, Michael’s done a bit of everything: journalist, corporate trainer, even a stint as a joke writer for Jay Leno. All roads danced around - and eventually led back to – writing. His debut CD, the 2006 release "Spotted Mule and Other Tales", is an Americana mix of folk, bluegrass, and a little gospel. He favors songs with stories and tales of day-to-day life. Big cars. Bad drivers. A baby’s first steps. And, well, even mules.
His new release, "Dogspeed", is another Americana story collection anchored by yet another animal totem.
Besides performing his own material, Michael runs a monthly open mic and songwriters night at the Wooden Nickel Bar and Grill in Watsonville, CA. He has also organized, promoted, and played at small local festivals, including the annual "Vintner's Festival Weekend" at Roudon-Smith Winery in Scotts Valley, CA and "November-fest" at Pacific Crest Apiaries in Watsonville, CA.
Here are a few things folks have said about Michael's work:
"Michael and his band gave us a priceless night we will never forget.” - Marky Starks, Canyon Acoustic Society House Concerts
“Michael is a writer with a keen eye for detail and a gentle sense of humor.“ - Larry Kelly, Maverick Country (UK)
"I have often thought that the hardest songs to write concern everyday life.
Michael Gaither is a singing storyteller in the style of Tom T. Hall and Roger Miller with a heaping dash of Lyle Lovett in the mix.” - Uncleshag, The Longtown Sound Podcast / WLSO FM
Head over to www.michaelgaither.com for more information about Michael, including "Songs and Stories", a podcast that looks behind-the-scenes at independent music through stories behind the songs and interviews with other songwriters.
Dear Mike, Thank you so much for your performance at the Watsonville High Boosters/Franich Ford Drive One 4UR School fundraiser.
We are extremely grateful that you took the time to come out and entertain our guests while they participated in the $6000.00 challenge grant from Ford Motor Company.
As you know, the athletic department is currently under funded and is in desperate need of much needed funds. In fact, there are no funds currently allocated for the 2009-2010 school year. It will be no easy task to obtain the necessary funds. However, we are addressing this very important issue. Many more fundraising events will be scheduled in the very near future. It will be a very daunting task to acquire the necessary funds but I am confident that we will succeed.
It is good to know that the school has the support of our local performers.
I will place a link to your web site within the next few days on the Watsonville High Multi-Year Web Site. I want all Watsonville High Alumni to know that you have been there for us during this dire time period.
Once again, I will always be grateful for your support.
Hey Michael! Thanks so much to you and Aaron and Greg for such a special afternoon concert. In spite of the fog, your songs warmed our hearts. Hope you didn't mind the monkey shines going on in the back!
PS! If You are a singer or poet, for goodness sakes send us some music! Contact us @ tamaraboatright@hotmail.com or by telephone 936 288 0832 cause we PLAY music here and we want to PLAY your music!
Of course we would love to play your music!
If you have CD’s recorded for RADIO AIRPLAY send them to
Ralph & Tamara 617 S Liberty San Augustine TEXAS 75972
I was thinking about Spotted Mule last night as i heard the fire hit Larkin and Old Adobe :0( We should pull to gether a benefit of some sort for our friends out in beuna vista
Dude... we missed Video Ranch! And its because I'm stoopid... yes, with two o's. I was going to be there in all my glorious pink feathered spendor (my avatar is a flamingo) but we got distracted trying to figure out how to cover our windows for the house concert 'cause the painters had just finished and we had no drapes and... okay, that's a lousy excuse. I'm sooooo bummed! I hope it was cool for you. xo/b
