This in New York born, singer song writer and guitar player had his first gig already when he was fifteen. In 1969 Michael formed the band 'Papa Nebo' , with on sax nobody less than Bob Mintzer (went later to the 'Yellowjackets'). Another band of Michael was 'Free Bear', they made 3 albums. In all those years influences of rock, folk, country and jazz have made his Chicago-blues. Today the band exists of Scott Milch (drums), Ed Jackson (percussion), Rick Frank(sax& flute) and King Bear(bass).Seven songs on this album are written by Michael, the other four are a.o. of Bob Dylan, Paul Butterfield. ‘Ím in Love', the first songs starts very easy, on which the lead part of the Flute surprises me. In 'Gotta Go (Chicago, New Orleans)' we hear the Sax that has the upper part. Both songs are heavenly influenced by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. After two minutes and thirty seconds the sound of an airplane comes through the speakers, personally I find that a pity. The song would have been as nice as well without this extra (unbelievable) addition. 'The Deuce is an instrumental song, started by a Sax with drums and completed by bass. Here we hear a mix of Jazz and Blues. 'I Got A Mind To Give Up Living' we know of course from Paul Butterfield on his album 'East West'. Percussion and Bass we hear with the flute as a lead part. Nice and dared to change such a traditional song. What to be thought of Bob Dylan's song 'All Along The Watchtower'. Many have already covered this song, but this version of Michael is beautiful. 'Born In Chicago' has been moved to 'Born In New York City' also the mouth harp is perfect like we know it all from the original. Of course there is some memorising in the lyrics to the legendary Paul Butterfield. A CD with Jazz and Blues and even a Christmas song 'Christmas On The Bowery'. Don’t expect gearing or smashing music. As we all already know, New York was/ is the sparkling hart of the Jazz. But Michael has understood as no other that blues and jazz also can melt together. For the Fans that stick to diversity it's an advisor.
Translation by: Bill Wessels
