Random Notes

A pianist plays "Travel On"

My friend NYC pianist singer-songwriter Sylvie Yannello contacted me regarding a song I'd shared with her, "Travel On"— a melancholy minor key composition I'd written about the sudden death of my cousin's son.

Sylvie recorded the song with a New Orleans Allen Toussaint feel; somehow it was both melancholy and uplifting and I loved it. I will soon be recording the vocal track which I very rarely do. I prefer to have others sing my songs.

I am honored that Sylvie has made "Travel On" available for all who want to play it. She has scored her version and offers the sheet music on sylvieYannello.com.

Rhyming praise from Tom Semioli

Thanks, Tom, for this beat-poem-styled shout out.

Nattily attired, urban squire, not perspired, far from retired, sans the muck and mire, preachin' to the choir, puttin' out the fire, will not raise your ire, his need ain't dire… workin' the blooze boogie pocket croonin' and groovin'… dig Mike:
"It All Went Down The Drain"

An old "Buddy"

Ran into my old Buddy['s] Tracey Cole in front of The Garden in the middle of my latest photo shoot with Ned Matura.

Manu Lanvin…

Super hang with "mon frere" euro Blues Rock royalty Manu Lanvin. What are these boys cooking up? Stay tuned!!!

Birthday at Cafe Bohemia

Another great birthday with Big Ed Sullivan's Blues Jam! Thanks Dan for the videos, and Ed for this pic of Christine singing bluesy birthday wishes.

Know Your Bass Player!

I'm honored to have been added alongside all the amazing bass players on Tom Semioli's Know Your Bass Player website. KYBP is a highly respected and widely read blog about bass players around the world. Tom's insights and bio descriptions of the players are incredibly interesting; prepare yourself for hours of fun reads! Check it out!

Test driving my new Model "Z" semi-hollow body electric guitar

Super tone by way of the ceramic pick-ups (usually not my preference). This guitar also has a high degree of stage mobility!

Channeling Jimi on Greenwich Street

My new Hartke Kickback 12

Super portable 25 lbs and a monster at 500 watts. I was gonna spend more for the 15 but Larry said, "No man this is you— suits your playing style." Thanks, Boss of the Bass Amp.

Muddy came to me in a dream

Muddy came to me in a dream— "Stay with it Mike, you almost got it."