motu

Artist Information

Biography

MOTU is an Indie NY-based Acoustic & Electric /Blues-Roots recording artist and Singer-Songwriter performer. MOTU's fan club is world wide and is growing fast. This can also be demonstrated from MOTU's over THREE MILLION views on YouTube and the over 200,000 SELF PRODUCED INDIE CD sales! MOTU's CDs have received RAVE Reviews including from Elmore Magazine; the defacto journal of the blues (see http://www.motu.net/elmore_motu_2009.html )!
Some of MOTU's CDs have spent OVER 4 MONTHS on CD Baby's Editor's Recommended CDs List! MOTU also released a 2 Disc CD/DVD set in 2011 which contains a 32 Track Hi-Def Live DVD. This CD features a back up band of very well-known musicians; many of whom have performed with very well known artists such as Bo Diddley, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Watermelon Slim, Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts, Taylor Dayne, and Cindi Lauper (just to name a few)!
MOTU's 12th Official CD Release in 2012 is this year's selection by the LIBS for the Best Self-Produced CD Competition held by the Blues Foundation and awarded during the IBC in Memphis! MOTU's newest 2013 CD release (Miles Away) has already been called "One of the most important albums of this decade!!" In addition to ALL of this; MOTU was a SemiFinalist Winner in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) and is also a winner of two BILLBOARD World Music Awards and has also received radio play in major markets! MOTU's music is roots acoustic rock with delta blues and jam band influences. MOTU has also won praises from classic rock greats for his music-based charity work. MOTU's self produced CDs and DVDs are available at iTunes, Rhapsody, and other quality music stores. Official Fan Club Web-Site: http://www.motu.net

Here are some published RAVE Reviews about MOTU:

"The constant toothy presence of MOTU’s electric guitar is a tightrope walk across a pit of hungry gators in the tradition of blues greats like John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy! "
-The Deli Magazine; Music Recipes from the Big Apple
----
"It doesn’t get any better than this! This is INDIE electric JAM-BAND music at its best!"
- The NYC Underground Muse Magazine.
----
"Such passionate, and impressive, music says volumes about the talent possessed by MOTU."
-Neufutur Magazine
----
“Dr Richard (motu) is a fabulous slide guitarist...the best part of an Oreo cookie...even without milk.”
-GoodTimes Magazine
----
"The new one from MOTU is chock full of rockin' good blues. Pop it in the CD player and crank it up! "
- Jerry Schaefer, host of Graveyard Blues on Long Island, NY's ONLY Classic Rock Station 103.9 WRCN FM.
----
“This is a feel good and have a drink type of music. Thank you MOTU!”
-Skope Magazine
----
“This is the real deal: unfiltered, honest music that could easily resonate with anyone who’s experienced a rough road. MOTU’s tough, yet vulnerably aching sound is the stuff great American tales are made of” –Elmore Magazine
----
“It’s the magnitude of Michelson’s grasp of Blues music...whether he is playing his smooth slide guitar or honkin’ on his harp.”
–Dig This Real Magazine
----
“Interpretive, talented and visionary are all words that can be applied to the stringed fluency of Motu.... The Blues Lives!”
– The Long Island Blues Society
----
“Dr. Richard Michelson, a formidable blues guitarist and very raw singer... we are talking some serious blues.”
– Jazz.COM

MOTU (Dr Richard Michelson) is a member of ASCAP, a Director on the Board of The Long Island Blues Society, and an active member of other Music Related Organizations that promote the education, and awareness, of American forms of music (blues, jazz, folk, roots, etc.). Contact MOTU by email: motu@motu.net

For more information, visit http://www.motu.net

Instrumentation

MOTU plays most gigs with his back up band but also plays acoustic solo gigs where he plays delta style slide guitar (and blues banjo) to back up his own vocals.


LIVE Videos of MOTU Solo & MOTU's Electric Band can be seen on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MotuBlues#g/u

Discography

MOTU's newest 13th CD released in 2013 (Miles Away) has already been called "One of the most important albums of this decade!!" MOTU's 12th CD was released in April 2012 and, besides sales approaching 60,000 in the first six months since it's release, this album is this year's selection by the LIBS for the Best Self-Produced CD Competition held by the Blues Foundation and awarded during the IBC in Memphis! Past releases have spent over 4 Months on the CDBaby Editor's Recommended List & Received RAVE Reviews in Music Journals like Elmore Magazine. MOTU has also received radio play in major markets ...and sold over 200,000 Self-Produced Indie CDs to a growing global fan base! In 2010 MOTU Released his 1st LIVE Concert 32 track Hi-Def DVD Video! A second DVD was released in 2011 as part of a 2 Disc DVD/CD Set. This release in 2011 featured some ground breaking studio material that caught the attention of some very well known music professionals. Past CDs have had line ups of some outstanding Long Island-NY musicians; many of whom have performed with very well known artists such as Bo Diddley, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Watermelon Slim, Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts, Taylor Dayne, and Cindi Lauper (just to name a few)!

Visit www.motu.net for a complete list of CDs and more information including links to past reviews.

LIVE Videos of MOTU Solo & MOTU's Electric Band can be seen on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MotuBlues/featured

Official Website

http://www.motu.net

Links

• Facebook
• MOTU LIVE VIDEOS on YouTube !!
• MySpace
• MOTU News

Audio

• Stumble and Fall CD HOT Version
  Listen  
• Sleepless In Chicago
  Listen  
• Land of the Free
  Listen  
• Crossroads of our Lives
  Listen  
• Carry Me Back Home
  Listen  
• Testify
  Listen  
• Bayou Moon
  Listen  
• I'm Just A Poor Boy
  Listen  
• Jesus Gonna Save My Soul
  Listen  
• Time Runs Faster
  Listen  
• Better Day CD Version
  Listen  
• So Lonely
  Listen  
• Death Comes To Louisiana (Live)
  Listen  
• Walk 'Till I fall
  Listen  
• Soul of the Bayou
  Listen  
• I Got My Refund Check (Live Version)
  Listen  
• Drowning In Whiskey
  Listen  
• I Just Want To Make Love To You
  Listen  

Lyrics

• A Better Day
• Death Comes to Louisiana
• Crossroads of our Lives
• Testify
• Jesus Gonna Save My Soul
• Bayou Moon
• The Wind is Blowin' from the West
• Walk 'Till I Fall
• Going Back To Memphis Alone
• I Got My Refund Check (Live Version from MOTU's 2008 CD Release)
• Here Come Those Blues Again
• Soul of the Bayou
• Time Runs Faster
• I'm Just A Poor Boy
• Drowning in Whiskey

Video

I'm A King Bee - MOTU Acoustic Live @ WRCN (NY) FM Studios

Sweet Little Angel - MOTU Electric Live @ McGuires

Photo Gallery

Press

• Elmore Magazine Reviews MOTU [+ Show ]
  

  MOTU The MOTU Sampler Collection-Limited Edition ? (self-released) Too few artists today understan...MOTU
  The MOTU Sampler Collection-Limited Edition ? (self-released)
  Too few artists today understand the “less is more” concept. Fortunately, MOTU
  is not one of them.
  MOTU, the alter ego of Long Island, NY-based bluesman Dr. Richard Michelson,
  is all about minimalism. His latest disc, The MOTU Sampler Collection, is for the
  most part a low-key effort, yet it boils over with a ferocious
  grit that is full of John Lee Hooker-meets-Tom Waits-inthe-
  Mississippi Delta intensity.
  The somber, solo acoustic slide guitar-driven “The Wind
  Is Blowin’ From The West” is a prime example of MOTU’s
  fi nest stuff–the guy’s at his best armed with just a guitar and
  his often-tortured lyrics. “Going Back To Memphis” offers
  more of MOTU’s subdued, yet passionate, back porch-style blues. When he sings,
  “Ain’t got no Sunday suit for my grave,” it’s as gut-wrenching and authentic as
  you can get without the fi rsthand experience of being a sharecropper during the
  1930s.
  MOTU mixes it up with the lazy shuffl e of “So Lonely,” featuring band accompaniment
  with complementary female vocals providing the perfect counterpoint
  to Michelson’s raw vocal delivery. The rousing boogie of “Refund Check” shows
  the electric side of MOTU, with Michelson blazing through some white-hot guitar
  licks. For some added diversity, there’s the jazz-infl ected “All Is Blue,” further
  proof that Michelson needs only a guitar and his grizzled vocal tones to keep a crowd
  on the edge of their seats.
  The MOTU Sampler Collection is a hefty slice of deep blues from a guy who sounds
  like he knows a thing or two about hard times. This is the real deal: unfi ltered, honest
  music that could easily resonate with anyone who’s experienced a rough road.
  MOTU’s tough, yet vulnerably aching sound is the stuff great American tales are
  made of. —Mark Uricheck

• MOTU's TENTH Indie 2009 CD Release Makes it on to the CDBaby EDITOR's RECOMMENDED BLUES PICKS LIST!!! [+ Show ]
  

  MOTU's TENTH Indie 2009 CD Release Makes it on to the CDBaby EDITOR's RECOMMENDED BLUES PICKS LIST!... MOTU's TENTH Indie 2009 CD Release Makes it on to the CDBaby EDITOR's RECOMMENDED BLUES PICKS LIST!!! Go to the NEWS Section of
  http://www.motu.net
  for more info.

• MOTU MAIN 2008/2009 REVIEWS SUMMARY [+ Show ]
  

  “The constant toothy presence of MOTU’s electric guitar is a tightrope walk across a pit of hungry g...“The constant toothy presence of MOTU’s electric guitar is a tightrope walk across a pit of hungry gators in the tradition of blues greats like John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy! ”
  -The Deli Magazine; Music Recipes from the Big Apple
  ----
  “Such passionate, and impressive, music says volumes about the talent possessed by MOTU.”
  -Neufutur Magazine
  ----
  “Dr Richard (motu) is a fabulous slide guitarist...the best part of an Oreo cookie...even without milk.”
  -GoodTimes Magazine
  ----
  "The new one from MOTU & The Roadhouse Jesters is chock full of rockin' good blues. Pop it in the CD player and crank it up! "
  - Jerry Schaefer, host of Graveyard Blues on Long Island, NY's ONLY Classic Rock Station 103.9 WRCN FM.
  ----
  “This is a feel good and have a drink type of music. Thank you MOTU!”
  -Skope Magazine
  ----
  “What makes it work is the deft slide work of Richard Michelson (Motu)” –Elmore Magazine
  ----
  “It’s the magnitude of Michelson’s grasp of Blues music...whether he is playing his smooth slide guitar or honkin’ on his harp.”
  –Dig This Real Magazine
  ----
  “Interpretive, talented and visionary are all words that can be applied to the stringed fluency of Motu.... The Blues Lives!”
  – The Long Island Blues Society
  ----
  “Dr. Richard Michelson, a formidable blues guitarist and very raw singer... we are talking some serious blues.” – Jazz.COM
  

• MOTU IS THE 2008/2009 Regional International Blues Challenge (IBC) Winner! [+ Show ]
  

  Aug. 17, 2008: MOTU IS THE 2008/2009 Regional International Blues Challenge (IBC) Winner! MOTU als...Aug. 17, 2008: MOTU IS THE 2008/2009 Regional International Blues Challenge (IBC) Winner!
  MOTU also this week was awarded two BILLBOARD World Music Awards!
  

• FEEL THE BLUES WITH MOTU [+ Show ]
  

  For the live recording “Roadhouse Jesters” vocalist/guitarist Dr Richard Michelson (Motu) put togeth...For the live recording “Roadhouse Jesters” vocalist/guitarist Dr Richard Michelson (Motu) put together a hot band of blues veterans to play an unannounced gig, and no doubt ending up winning over the folks in the room that night. The band (Ed Modzel, Dolores Chetta, Karl “Big Daddy” Reamer, George Gashonia) consistently lays down a loose and flexible pocket for Motu and Dolores to growl and purr some of the best couplets in the blues canon like ‘Everyday I Have the Blues’ and ‘Sweet Little Angel.’ Motu comfortably navigates the waters between a high energy jump blues and a slow tin pan alley burner and his whiskeyed scruff matches up well with Dolores’ soulful vocals (albeit with an New York accent). These cats are clearly schooled in the blues lexicon and know the long-loved tools and tricks of the trade. The constant toothy presence of Motu’s electric guitar is a tightrope walk across a pit of hungry gators – in the tradition of blues greats like John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy that consistently veer out of control and time in search of personal expression, Motu’s guit steps right up to the edge, slides over, then lands on its feet with a deft thud and a knowing wink. Embrace the blues in you and give it a listen.
  - WW
  
  Published on Fri, 14 Mar 2008
  

• MOTU - ROADHOUSE JESTERS [+ Show ]
  

  This is the eighth release by MOTU, and individuals will be immediately attacked by the brand of blu...This is the eighth release by MOTU, and individuals will be immediately attacked by the brand of blues and funk that the band inserts into each and every track. However, individuals should know that the band did not play together before this disc was recorded – some of the members did not even know each other in the slightest! Coupled with the allure of the band’s compositions on “Roadhouse Jesters”, the production on the disc is impressive enough to confuse individuals into thinking that the act went into the studio to create this album.
  
  The first track on “Roadhouse Jesters” is “Smokestack Lightening”, a track that shows individuals that there does not need to be vocals at every point during the track. In fact, when the vocals do show up, they are just a garnish – an additional element – that makes the track more memorable. The female vocals on “Little Red Rooster” change things up considerably, with only the instrumentation remaining as a constant through the two tracks. MOTU move back towards an instrumentation-heavy approach with their third track on “Roadhouse Jesters”, “Every Day I Have The Blues”. “Every Day I Have The Blues”, despite the genre associations that the title elicits, has a funkiness to the instrumentation that will remind listeners of the original Blues Brothers soundtrack. However many approaches or styles MOTU takes during their time on “Roadhouse Jesters”, it is really during “People Get Ready” that the act solidifies and provides listeners with their first single.
  
  The dual vocals, male and female, perfectly lie on top on the smooth and sedate arrangements on the track. Despite the fact that MOTU plays a type of blues that is rooted in the classic sounds of the genre, Dr. Richard Michelson and the rest of his band are talented enough to make their sound attractive to fans that like contemporary styles of music. The fact that individuals can take the stage and have little familiarity with the other members of their band and still create such passionate and impressive music says volumes about the talent possessed by MOTU. Here’s to hoping that word of “Roadhouse Jesters” increases to the degree that the album gets airplay on college and independent stations throughout the United States. Check out “Roadhouse Jesters” even if you would not typically consider yourself a fan of blues or other related genres of music.
  
  Top Tracks: It Ain’t None of Your Business, It Hurts Me Too
  
  Rating: 7.3/10
  
  

• MOTU Plays The Blues!! [+ Show ]
  

  "Interpretive, talented and visionary are all words that can be applied to the stringed fluency of M..."Interpretive, talented and visionary are all words that can be applied to the stringed fluency of Motu. His playing is fluid, articulate and ripe with personality. His unique feel, style and breadth are well worth the trip to which these audiences can readily attest. The Blues Lives!"
  
  -The Long Island Blues Society-

• MOTU & THE ROADHOUSE JESTERS IS CHOCK FULL OF ROCKIN' GOOD BLUES! [+ Show ]
  

  The new one from Motu & The Roadhouse Jesters is chock full of rockin' good blues! Pop it in the CD ...The new one from Motu & The Roadhouse Jesters is chock full of rockin' good blues! Pop it in the CD player and crank it up!"
  
  - Jerry Schaefer,
  host of Graveyard Blues on Long Island's
  103.9 WRCN FM

• MOTU - RoadHouse Jesters [+ Show ]
  

  MOTU - Roadhouse Jesters May 29, 2008 This next CD I received was rather simplistic in regards to ...MOTU - Roadhouse Jesters
  May 29, 2008
  This next CD I received was rather simplistic in regards to packaging. A black and white cover with a picture of 5 people that look like close friends or family even.
  
  I am a firm believer in letting the music speak for itself so I popped the CD right in. Motu is the creation of Dr Richard Michelson who has a global fanbase. He is a powerhouse in the blues genre.
  
  This CD is actually a live CD. There is something about live blues music that makes me want to grab a bottle of Jack Daniels and sit in a bar for hours on end. Motu’s idea with the CD was to record the CD in an intimate club setting. Motu did not let anyone know that they were performing and recording live so that his fans would not drown out the live sound. He even booked the night as the ‘Roadhouse Jesters.’
  
  The end result of Motu’s scheme is brilliant. If you can put yourself in a frame of mind to sit and play this CD and capture the musical ingenuity you are in for a treat. Some tracks of note are, “I Got My Refund Check,” “People Get Ready,” and “When The Levee Breaks.”
  
  Not only did I enjoy reviewing this CD but I plan on playing it at many summer BBQ’s coming up. This is feel good and have a drink type of music. Thank you Motu!
  
  http://www.roadhousejesters.com/
  
  Review By: Mikey Frieds
  
  

• Review of MOTU - GOING BACK TO MEMPHIS [+ Show ]
  

  MOTU – Going Back To Memphis / 2007 / 11 Tracks / http://www.motu.net / "So Lonely" starts out "...MOTU – Going Back To Memphis / 2007 / 11 Tracks / http://www.motu.net /
  
  "So Lonely" starts out "Going Back To Memphis", and it shows MOTU as an act that is tremendously influenced by blues. The male vocals during "So Lonely" have a Randy Newman-like approach to them, and the inclusion of the second, female vocals on the track give the track further expansion. The instrumentation of the track may meander, but the inclusion of both vocals do a great job of reining the instrumentation in. "52 West 8th Avenue" shows more focus in regards to the instrumentation, opening up with a guitar line that is focused, but allowed to wander at key points.
  
  The resulting track shows the ability of the instrumentation to stick along well with the vocals. These two streams converge again during the title track. "Going Back To Memphis" shifts the style of MOTU a bit, to include a more bluegrass type of style. There is a hidden energy to the track that is present in the slide-heavy guitar lines present during "Going Back To Memphis". The band makes a heart turn into a classic type of blues sound with their "Clear Water". This is evidenced not only by the instrumentation present on the track, but even in the lyrical structure employed by MOTU. This means that there is a phrase sung, repeated again, with the third line putting forth another idea. While some of the tracks on "Going Back To Memphis" fit well in today's music, "Clear Water" shines even more brightly due to its' use of these earlier style. However, the disc shines brightest with "Walk `Till I Fall".
  
  The dual vocals come back in a major way during this track, and while the instrumentation takes a back seat, there is nuance enough present in these vocals to keep individuals interested throughout the track. The guitar work of Dr. Richard Michelson is something to behold during all 11 tracks of "Going Back To Memphis". This is because of the full sound that he can provide with just six strings. Notes that typically would not mesh well together are given a new lease on life as Michelson's skillful fingers link them together. "Going Back To Memphis" has made a convert out of someone that would not typically get within 20 feet of a blues type of album. Even if your tastes are more closely aligned with rock, hardcore, or punk music, it would behoove you to pick up this album.
  
  Top Tracks: I Won't Be Standing Alone, Clear Water
  
  Rating: 7.1/10
  
  
  

Setlist

Set Lists depend on the Venue and Event. These can range from 30 min to 3 hours depending on the situation. Also, due to MOTU's large body of work, set lists are always different.

Basic Requirements

PDF Rider

Target Review

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