Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
When Michelle Mayfield contacted me a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't quite prepared for the voice that I was going to hear. I've been listening to her CD constantly for days now, and it's really impressed me. I tend to lean more towards male singer-songwriters, but Michelle has one HELL of a voice... very earthy and real.
"Paradise" opens with Michelle using a more sultry vocal, saving the ass kicking vocals for later. Michelle's acquired some of the best in Austin for this CD... Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton on bass and drums. DAMN!!!
The title track is one of my favorites. Michelle takes her voice on a softer route, backed with beautiful floating music... "cause you will never be mine, not matter how hard I try." "Steal The Girl" jumped out at me, and has been in my head for four days and counting. Sometimes writing from her own experiences, and sometimes drawing from others, the songs on this album run a wide array of subjects.
I'm steadily growing to love female singer-songwriters. Especially ones with great, throaty, full voices. I'm looking forward to seeing Michelle live. Check out her website for some song samples, and clips from live shows (even one of her singing "Landslide"!).
Produced by Tommy Joe Hill, Steve Ebert and Michelle Mayfield
- Austinlive.com
I walked in halfway through Michelle's first song, which drives me absolutely nuts. I hate thinking I missed something!! As impressed as I was by Michelle's CD, quite honestly, it doesn't do her voice justice. This woman ROCKS and NEEDS to be seen live... and buy the CD while you're there, too! I was NOT expecting Michelle to ROCK like she did... I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but I certainly wasn't expecting the rockin', high energy, dancing, wailing, soul-cleansing rock n' roll that I got that August night.
Michelle doesn't perform alone. She's backed by quite an impressive group of musicians. Two guitars (one acoustic, one electric), bass & drums... and that drummer would have to be my favorite. He was having LOTS of fun behind that kit!!
I didn't take a complete setlist, but did manage to recognize a couple of songs. "Let Go" is a new one, and it kicks some serious ass. Heavy guitar work, and Michelle's WAILING point toward excellence. We got a little cover action with Pearl Jam's "Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town." Personally, one of my favorite Pearl Jam tunes.
"Here With Me," a song that impressed me on MM's CD Matter Of Time, completely blew me away live. Michelle was singing her heart out... ever thought about doing a live CD? That voice should be preserved for posterity. "Paradise"... hmmmm... maybe I'll just BEG for a live recording. I can still hear Michelle's powerful voice ringing in my ears!
"Maggie May"... I'm not kidding. This was the first time I've ever heard a woman cover Rod Stewart, and all I have to say is DAMN!! This is hands down one of the BEST covers I've ever heard!! "Matter Of Time" (title track to her debut CD) was stellar. By the time Michelle made it to the chorus, I was covered in chills. VERY powerful lyrics.
Run, do not walk, to Michelle's next show. She'll blow you away.
- AustinLive.com
Discography
What Lies Within - CD - 2005
Matter of Time - CD - 2000
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
From the beginning, music has been an integral part of Michelle's life. Whether it was from behind the drum kit, with a guitar in hand, or belting songs out her love has always been music. She only realized that she wanted to make it her full time career in 1997, when she moved to Austin, TX, to pursue music full time. The result was “Matter of Time”, her debut CD, and a journey onto the stage of the “live music capital” of the world.
Through determination, hard work and several band lineup changes, she has put together a stellar band, and earned a loyal and growing following in the process with her energetic, powerful and passionate live shows. She also earned the #3, #9, and #14 spots, respectively, on the Austin Chronicle's Best of 2004/2005 for Best New Band, Best Performing Rock Band and Best Female Vocalist.
“Michelle has one hell of a voice - very earthy and real”Austinlive.com
Michelle considers herself a singer-songwriter and takes great pride in the ability to make an impact with her songs. “I had a fan email me and tell me that my song “Matter of Time” got him through a serious breakup” Michelle states “that's the biggest reward-knowing that you can impact others the way all my favorite songs impacted me”. Those songs by such artists and influences as Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow, and Melissa Etheridge can be heard in Michelle's live shows, as she blends cutting original material with favorites of the past and present.
“This woman rocks and needs to be seen live” Ali - Austinlive.com
Michelle just released her 2nd CD entitled "What Lies Within", which is garnering rave reviews from critics and fans alike. While promoting the new CD, she is also continually focusing on building her fan base with her live shows. She is bombarded with comments after her performances of her great stage presence, voice, passion and energy. "I think people want to see passion and love for the music - I think that's alot of what's missing in today's popular music - and if you really believe in what you are doing and in your songs, it shows through in your live performances."
She has shared the stage with such artists as Melissa Ferrick (The Red Eyed Fly), Ruthie Foster (Houston Women's Festival), Patrice Pike (Momo's), and Bob Schneider (The Saxon Pub) and hopes to lengthen that list.
“Run, do not walk, to Michelle's next show - She will blow you away” - Austinlive.com
www.michellemayfield.com
Links
