J. Micheal Laferty
South Padre Island, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2000 | INDIE
Music
Press
J. Micheal Laferty --- Hot Sun - Cool Water - Sandy Boots
Umpqua Records Umpqua 2012
What would Jimmy Buffett's music sound like if he'd been born and lived in Texas? Why that's easy - he'd be J. Micheal Laferty. Buffett's influence on Laferty's music is unmistakable, but Laferty is no simple copy-cat - why? Because copy-cats become old hat very quickly and J. Micheal Laferty just keeps getting more and more interesting. Micheal's music is broadly based on two simple themes - south Texas beach fun and relationships. On his latest album --- Hot Sun - Cool Water - Sandy Boots --- he has come up with a classic beach song, the independent radio hit "All Over Tan" which speaks of the reasons we all head to the beach, and my favorite Laferty composition "Calvin And Jessie" that if this one doesn't bring a tear to your eye and memories of your first real relationship to mind should have you examining your humanity. (Side note: the duet with Sarah Pierce on this song is a thing of beauty - her voice is the perfect vehicle for conveying the angst and emotion in Jessie.)
Yes, it is, and should be, the music that ultimately decides if an album is a success or not. But if you shortchange the sonics, you are depriving yourself of a good portion of what makes a great album great. Engineer Merel Bregante has upped his game both via his ears and his equipment, thereby ensuring that the sound will equal the music. Listen to the great Al Garth's fiddle on the song "Get To The Point" or the acoustic guitar/organ duo that opens "I'd Rather Be Me" for examples of how real the instruments sound. Plus the soundstage is wide and inclusive (as in, not featuring one instrument at the expense of the others). And finally, Laferty's voice has that deep Texas growl that comes shining though the mix in a most realistic way. Plus, all of the vocal inflections he uses to make the points of each song unique are not lost in translation.
This is an album you'll buy for the music, and rightly so, but one that will also show you how much more enjoyment can be had when the sound equals the songs.
- John Crossett - Audio Writer July 11, 2013
J. Micheal Laferty --- Hot Sun - Cool Water - Sandy Boots
Umpqua Records Umpqua 2012
What would Jimmy Buffett's music sound like if he'd been born and lived in Texas? Why that's easy - he'd be J. Micheal Laferty. Buffett's influence on Laferty's music is unmistakable, but Laferty is no simple copy-cat - why? Because copy-cats become old hat very quickly and J. Micheal Laferty just keeps getting more and more interesting. Micheal's music is broadly based on two simple themes - south Texas beach fun and relationships. On his latest album --- Hot Sun - Cool Water - Sandy Boots --- he has come up with a classic beach song, the independent radio hit "All Over Tan" which speaks of the reasons we all head to the beach, and my favorite Laferty composition "Calvin And Jessie" that if this one doesn't bring a tear to your eye and memories of your first real relationship to mind should have you examining your humanity. (Side note: the duet with Sarah Pierce on this song is a thing of beauty - her voice is the perfect vehicle for conveying the angst and emotion in Jessie.)
Yes, it is, and should be, the music that ultimately decides if an album is a success or not. But if you shortchange the sonics, you are depriving yourself of a good portion of what makes a great album great. Engineer Merel Bregante has upped his game both via his ears and his equipment, thereby ensuring that the sound will equal the music. Listen to the great Al Garth's fiddle on the song "Get To The Point" or the acoustic guitar/organ duo that opens "I'd Rather Be Me" for examples of how real the instruments sound. Plus the soundstage is wide and inclusive (as in, not featuring one instrument at the expense of the others). And finally, Laferty's voice has that deep Texas growl that comes shining though the mix in a most realistic way. Plus, all of the vocal inflections he uses to make the points of each song unique are not lost in translation.
This is an album you'll buy for the music, and rightly so, but one that will also show you how much more enjoyment can be had when the sound equals the songs.
- John Crossett - Audio Writer July 11, 2013
J. Michael Laferty – Parrotheads in Cowboy Boots
Umpqua 2008
Format: CD
What do you get when you cross Jimmy Buffett with West Texas? Why J. Michael Laferty. Buffett’s influence is obvious from the very first tune. But Laferty makes his own mark with his singing, songwriting and storytelling aimed at an audience that is a bit more grown up yet still willing to kick back and party. Laferty’s songs cause you to listen a bit more closely to the message. Take the title tune. Sure it’s a bow directly to his mentor, but in it he acknowledges that there’s more to life than just partying when he sings “Me and my inner child are having a talk; but we’re doing it on island time.” Or his ode to self-examination “Old Vallarta” with the line “And she sits and wonders how they got this way, she tells herself to give it one more day.” But he still has that rebel streak that Buffett has carried the torch for when he sings “Dr. Phil” with the line “I know what Dr. Phil says….I don’t care.” Laferty also composes with a sound more drawn from Texas country than gulf shore southern. As Laferty says, this album, if it does little else, should a least bring a smile to your face. I think it should get you thinking as well.
His band is made up of musicians who have been there/done that. Drummer (and producer/engineer) Merle Bregante played with the original Loggins & Messina band. Bassist Lynn Daniels has had spells with Willie Nelson, Joe Ely, Ray Price and others. Doug Hudson, who plays mandolin and fiddle, has worked with Nancy Griffith and Robert Earl Keen. And keyboardist Riley Osborn is currently touring with Kenny Wayne Sheppard.
The sound is up close, precise, and very clear. Each instrument is separate from the others. You’ll hear, in various spots, mandolin, banjo, organ, marimba, accordion, electric and Spanish guitars, bass and drums. There’s not much of a soundstage depth wise, but there is a sense of width with each instrument placed in its own space. Laferty’s voice is well worn, deep, and expressive. It’s a bit compressed, but to nowhere near the degree that most popular music these days is. I’ve been an advocate that the best modern pop/rock music comes from small studios these days, and Parrotheads In Cowboy Boots is a shining example of why.
You can pick up a copy either directly from Laferty’s website www.jmlaferty.com or from www.cdbaby.com. I urge you to see why small studios are becoming the way to listen to great new music with this disc.
Just my (adjusted for inflation) $2
John Crossett
- Rocky Road: John Crossett
Micheal’s material averages 50 downloads per week, currently 8,446 downloads recorded, with an average review of 4 out of 5 stars. Micheal spent several months as an “Editors Top Pick”
Editor's review:
His ranch-worn twang belies it, but this singer-songwriter actually grew up not far from latte-land in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Whatever his roots, the South Padre-based Laferty is all Texas now, having unearthed a Lovett-esque feel for the dusty country tune and dropping lyrics like "I've got an old woman out in Corpus / Truth to tell, she used to be a whore."
Smooth Country Velvet:
Reviewer: copperwoman
Micheal sings from the heart of his soul, something necessary for a country singer. Country music fans recognize this as soon as he opens his mouth. It is my opinion that this singer and his band really need more exposure and a break...
A WINNER:
Reviewer: DEDEDI
CRISP, CLEAR VOCALS THAT CUT RIGHT THRU YOUR SOUL.
He captured my heart:
Reviewer: ilovemusic444
What great music------both his voice and lyrics pull at your heartstrings and are able to produce strong feelings. I wish there were a whole load of songs to download; is there an album out there somewhere?
- Downloads.com
Unbelievable vocals and stories. Don't miss this one!!
Reviewer: Ann
We saw J. Michael perform live at South Padre Island Texas, and he was wonderful, so we bought his CD's. He captures the island atmosphere and the Texas songwriter attitude. We loved Vagabond Moon and Gulf Stream Breezes. Anyone would love them.
Way Cool CD-Perfect for Getting Laid Back!
Reviewer: Texas Riviera Redneck This CD is absolutely perfect for floating around the pool sipping on a margarita!
"Micheal, clearly, is a seasoned entertainer, he performs and writes some of the most true to life and honest lyrics I have ever heard. This is a CD that I listen to over and over again, and the emotions just well-up inside me again and again."
N. Klampe, President,
Klampe Promotions and Productions
- CDBaby.com
Micheal’s material averages 50 downloads per week, currently 8,446 downloads recorded, with an average review of 4 out of 5 stars. Micheal spent several months as an “Editors Top Pick”
Editor's review:
His ranch-worn twang belies it, but this singer-songwriter actually grew up not far from latte-land in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Whatever his roots, the South Padre-based Laferty is all Texas now, having unearthed a Lovett-esque feel for the dusty country tune and dropping lyrics like "I've got an old woman out in Corpus / Truth to tell, she used to be a whore."
Smooth Country Velvet:
Reviewer: copperwoman
Micheal sings from the heart of his soul, something necessary for a country singer. Country music fans recognize this as soon as he opens his mouth. It is my opinion that this singer and his band really need more exposure and a break...
A WINNER:
Reviewer: DEDEDI
CRISP, CLEAR VOCALS THAT CUT RIGHT THRU YOUR SOUL.
He captured my heart:
Reviewer: ilovemusic444
What great music------both his voice and lyrics pull at your heartstrings and are able to produce strong feelings. I wish there were a whole load of songs to download; is there an album out there somewhere?
- Downloads.com
Mikey is the BEST!!!!! Hope he remembers us when he makes it big!! Whenever we get the chance we are right there listening to him play.
J. Shourd
Michael Laferty is an amazing singer songwriter in the true Texas tradition, but with a Gulf Coast twist. I'm stupefied that this guy is not huge. Magical songs like "Tears of an Angel", and "Vagabond Moon" should be heard by all those that love real music. Michael is an awesome performer live, and I hope to catch him on the road soon. I highly recommend his latest CD, Smoke, Mirrors, and Snake Oil. Recorded live, it captures the flavor of this true Texas gems songwriting and repoire with an audience.
M. Yates
I find J Michael's music to be a refreshing change from the everyday sound. After seeing him at a show I will be a life long fan! He is as REAL as it gets.
NBChick
- LoneStartMusic.com
Mikey is the BEST!!!!! Hope he remembers us when he makes it big!! Whenever we get the chance we are right there listening to him play.
J. Shourd
Michael Laferty is an amazing singer songwriter in the true Texas tradition, but with a Gulf Coast twist. I'm stupefied that this guy is not huge. Magical songs like "Tears of an Angel", and "Vagabond Moon" should be heard by all those that love real music. Michael is an awesome performer live, and I hope to catch him on the road soon. I highly recommend his latest CD, Smoke, Mirrors, and Snake Oil. Recorded live, it captures the flavor of this true Texas gems songwriting and repoire with an audience.
M. Yates
I find J Michael's music to be a refreshing change from the everyday sound. After seeing him at a show I will be a life long fan! He is as REAL as it gets.
NBChick
- LoneStartMusic.com
Discography
"Gulf Steam Breezes" (Umpqua 1998)
"Vagabond Moon" (Umpqua 1999)
"Smoke, Mirrors & Snake Oil" (Umpqua 2004)
"Parrotheads in Cowboy Boots" (Umpqua 2009)
"Hot Sun, Cool Water, Sandy Boots" (Umpqua 2012)
"Well Seasoned...Not Quite Done"(Umpqua 2016)
Photos
Bio
Micheal calls South Padre Island Texas “home”, and spends his time happily wandering between the Rio Grande, New Orleans, and the Florida Keys. His music, a tongue in cheek reflection of his island lifestyle and tropical surroundings, which provides him with a repertoire of material that weaves seamlessly in and out of all facets of human emotion, is characteristically delivered with a sly smile and a blazingly wicked wit that immediately engages the audience; it is easy to see why fans, and media alike, compare Micheal with such notables as Robert Earl Keen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Joe Ely, Lyle Lovett, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Jimmy Buffett.
With six releases under his belt on the Umpqua Records label, the most recent being "Well Seasoned... Not Quite Done", Micheal is growing his fan base “one song at a time”.
Backed by a seasoned and road experienced group of veteran musicians ( Jerry Crow - Denim; Doug Hudson - Hudson and Franke, Robert Earl Keen, and Lyle Lovett; Merel Bregante - The Sunshine Company, Logginis & Messina, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Chris Hillman )who know how to deliver to a crowd and bring them to their feet; Micheal's live shows are always exciting and lively. He runs his audience through every gamut of emotion, and leaves them jubilantly exhausted, and smiling from ear to ear; standing ovations and multiple encores are the norm.
His full schedule of daily appearances during the summer season on the resort destination of South Padre Island, frequent Festival appearances, respectable national radio airplay on terrestrial mainstream stations, and “heavy rotation” on virtually every internet/satellite market which caters to the “TropRock” listeners, have combined to firmly defined Micheal as a benchmark Artist in the Americana/TropRock/Texas Music market.
Band Members
Links
