Michael Z Cummings

Listening to this album is like a conversation with an old friend. You might not agree with every point of view expressed, but you respect it. And, just maybe – to quote Bill Cosby from the intro to the 70s cartoon Fat Albert, “If you’re not careful, you might just learn something before you’re done.”

Cummings grew up in Boston, enthralled with the Blues that his brother was listening to. Over the years, he would add acts such as Bob Dylan and Earl Scruggs to his influence list, and the resulting mix is a very intriguing sound.

You can definitely hear the Dylan influence on cuts like “A Perfect Gentleman” and “Honey Became Their Name.” Both cuts exhibit that famous Dylan sense of quirk.

One of my favorite tracks is the very sly “Sexy Lips And Shapely Hips,” on which he describes the power of a woman. You can tell throughout the song that he is enjoying giving the description, as well. There’s the social commentary “Kings On Strings” that is very impressive, but perhaps the jewel of these cuts is the wistful “In Memory Of,” which might just bring a tear to the eyes.

The name of the album is Storyteller, and throughout the disc, Cummings does exactly just that in a unique and novel approach – one that is definitely worth a listen.

For more information, log on to www. MichaelZCummings.com! - Music New Nashville

Storyteller” Michael Z. Cummings is part of a solid lineup that includes Bobby Kimball (original lead singer of hit group Toto), Jerry Salas of seminal Latin group El Chicano and many surprise guests as part of “Rock For Vets 2, happening Saturday, July 30 at the Scottish Rite Event Center (in its new ‘Ernest Borgnine’ Theater), 855 Elm St., Long Beach. 4-7 p.m. $25. Info: (866-597-1116 or log onto www.the rockclub.net . Proceeds benefit providing additional music equipment and coaching for the Music Therapy Program for Veterans. Also performing: The Rock For Music Therapy Band, comprised of Veterans of all ages and abilities).

Michael Z. Cummings writes songs about people, for people. The Los Angeles-based, singer-songwriter-guitarist grew up in Boston surrounded by music. The deep bluesy music of Son House and Mississippi John Hurt oozed through the cracks of his brother’s room. The street performances, live gigs and public performances by the students at Berklee, Boston Conservatory and New England Conservatory were a constant happening. From records, tapes and the radio, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles, and were listened to, synthesized and memorized. This is why Michael picked up a guitar and just started playing.

And play he did. Electric Rhythm Guitar with a flat pick, Classical guitar, Ragtime, Jazz and Country pickin’. Michael also used his vocals and his amazing writing talent to express his observations of the world around him. Becoming a singer/songwriter was about connecting emotionally with listeners. To him it was about becoming less of a guitarist and more of a poet; less of a participant and more of an observer. This, in turn, led to Michael’s 2010Los Angeles Music Awards nomination for “Best Male Songwriter.” His always-humble demeanor and keen eye for the human experience makes him a musician who moves listeners to both action and reflection.

Catch a very special performance by Michael Z. Cummings at the “Art of Health” special event happening at the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic , 3224 W. Sunset Blvd., Silverlake, Friday, July 22. 5-10 p.m. Donations graciously and greatly appreciated. Info: (323) 660-7959 or log onto www.hsfreeclinic.org. Organized by FANS – “a creative group of folks who have come together to benefit the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic.” Cummings also performs at the “Rock For Vets 2? Benefit Concert in Long Beach on Saturday, July 30; and has a CD Release Party for Storyteller at the Pig N’ Whistle in Hollywood on Saturday, August 20.

For more about Michael, visit his website at www.michaelzcummings.com - Music News Nashville

Michael Z. Cummings writes songs about people, for people. The Los Angeles-based, singer-songwriter-guitarist grew up in Boston surrounded by music. The deep bluesy music of Son House and Mississippi John Hurt oozed through the cracks of his brother's room. The street performances, live gigs and public performances by the students at Berklee, Boston Conservatory and New England Conservatory were a constant happening. From records, tapes and the radio, Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Chuck Berry, the Beatles, and Prince were listened to, synthesized and memorized. This is why Michael picked up a guitar and just started playing.

And play he did. Electric Rhythm Guitar with a flat pick, Classical guitar, Ragtime, Jazz and Country pickin'. Michael also used his vocals and his amazing writing talent to express his observations of the world around him. Becoming a singer/songwriter was about connecting emotionally with listeners. To him it was about becoming less of a guitarist and more of a poet; less of a participant and more of an observer. This, in turn, led to Michael's 2010 Los Angeles Music Awards nomination for "Best Male Songwriter." His always-humble demeanor and keen eye for the human experience makes him a musician who moves listeners to both action and reflection.

Cummings is very active with the California Paralyzed Veterans Association (CPVA). "In 2008 I was seeking a charity to involve myself with and attended a barbecue benefit that year sponsored by the CPVA," Cummings says. "At that barbecue I met and became friends with the Director of the hospital (a paralyzed veteran himself - CPVA President Arthur F. Lyles). I immediately felt strongly about their organization. And what stunned me the most was how some paralyzed vets were happier than many people I meet (in everyday life). "As I got to know these truly gifted individuals thru my guitar lessons at the VA hospital and other interactions," Michael continued, "I found they were happy people before their accidents...I also felt a need in my life to surround myself with individuals who could and would lift me up. People I myself could learn a few lessons in life from. As time passed my program of guitar lessons took on more meaning in my life. Now I am currently involved in trying to raise $10,000 to pave their basketball court. I hope to do that thru live shows and CD donations as well as solicitation," Cummings concludes.

Michael Z. Cumming's new album Storyteller is, like himself, a soulful hodgepodge of Blues, Folk, Americana, and Country. Michael pastes together various pieces of his past written poetry, all of stories of his past life, interactions of friends, family and foe, and the current state of America using his vocals, guitar, harmonica, lap steel and more. Michael is not quite a cynic, but he also does not see the world as saintly. This allows him to create organically raw music and lyrics that will remind listeners of their past, their childhood, ex-lovers, what they do not like in the world today and why they keep on living. Michael's new album is a respite for the soul of all who listen. What follows is a brief synopsis (in his own words) of the songs on Storyteller.

We Were So Content: "A lonely man self-reflects upon past mistakes made and his struggle to move on while still in love...yet alone."

Honesty Knocked On My Back Door: "A man's struggle with aging and the past."

The Chronic Relapser: "An intimate look at a recovering alcoholic's rise to sobriety."

Sexy Lips & Shapely Hips: "A man's realization that his girlfriend had a secret lover."

A Perfect Gentleman: "A travel in time with a couple that are truly in love."

Family Blues: "A satirical look at a young man's interaction with his family."

Now You See: "Briefly outlines a young woman's consistently poor judgment in her choice of men, despite her mother's warnings."

Kings On Strings: "A humorous look at the current state of politics in the world we live in today."

In Memory Of: "A self-bio where I reflect on my memories of my departed brother."

Colliding Clouds: "An airy, relaxing instrumental in which banjos and dobros collide."

Don't Down For Free: "My comical plea that explores the challenges of a musician's rights to collect royalties."

MICHAEL Z. CUMMINGS UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS & SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
June 3 - ERROR FM/BUDDHAMAN'S INTL. EXPERIENCE
(8 p.m.)
World Wide Web
June 6 - ACTORS E CHAT
(10 a.m.)
Hollywood, CA
June 11 - PIG N' WHISTLE
(9 p.m.)
Hollywood, CA
Aug. 21 - AMERICAN VETERANS RADIO
(Artist Spotlight)

www.michaelzcummings.com
www.reverbnation.com/michaelzcummings - Valley Scene