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The Jeff Michael Band-The Other Side. Jeff Michael can best be described as a one-man Traveling Wilburys, at least the Tom Petty and George Harrison part of that supergroup. On the band's debut EP, Michael combines Petty's jangle pop and a Harrisonesque voice to fine results, with "When Will I See You Again" and "Straight Line" sounding like outtakes from the Wilburys' Volume One. The John Hiatt-ish "Enjoy The Ride" is another winner, and the EP closes with "Empty Lives", a track heavily influenced by "Tomorrow Never Knows" with its hypnotic drums and backwards guitars. As I always say with quality EPs, bring on the full length!
- http://absolutepowerpop.blogspot.com/
(Rock) "The Other Side," The Jeff Michael Band, independent recording.
Manlius native Jeff Michael has made himself a sweet country-pop album out in Los Angeles.There's plenty of fun twang on the love song "When Will I See You Again?" and a satisfying pop edge to "Empty Lives," The writer and romantic in him have you rooting for a happy ending in the former as Michael sings, "She went to the bar and she sat very far and she gave me the twinkle in her eye. It was then that I knew, it's not them, it's only you." - Mark Bialczak
His old friends from Fayetteville-Manlius High School may recognize the baby- faced singer-songwriter on the CD cover "Full Circle". Yes, the artist known as Jeff Michael was indeed Jeff Volinsky when he graduated from F-M in 1997.
He moved to Los Angeles after graduating from the musical composition program at State University College at Fredonia and got this graduate certificate in film scoring from USC. After working with various notable film composers, Michael decided to concentrate on making the music he wrote himself. "Full Circle" delivers pop music, fresh and tasty. Michael looks at the intricacies of modern love in the opener, "Designated Driver" as he declares, "Use me, abuse me, do anything you like, Leave me, decieve me, it's well within your right. I'm a designated driver, that is all. And spinless women use me at nightfall.
"In All of Us" on the other hand, is hopeful. "There's peace in all of us" he sings to a pleasant guitar backing.
The clincher is "911 Song" as Michael tries to make sense of the world post 2001. He paints a poignant picture of a mother in a faraway land watching her children play inside. "We only want to do what's right. so we sent our troops to fight" he sings.
- Mark Bialczak
The Jeff Michael Band was voted band of the week. May 18-25 - Band of the week
Discography
The Other Side
Photos
Bio
Jeff Michael grew up in Syracuse, New York. Music was a passion for him at early age. He listened to his father's records and imagined that one day he too would be a great singer. He studied music composition at The State University of New York at Fredonia. After graduating from Fredonia he headed off to Los Angeles for the University of Southern California�s Film Scoring Program. While working in the film music field Jeff rediscovered his love of songwriting and hasn�t looked back. Michaels songs are heartfelt, intimate, and touch on the raw human emotions that are universally felt by all. He is a true storyteller. His music reminiscent of songwriters like George Harrison, Tom Petty, and The Beatles. His latest release The Other Side was produced by Dave Cobb. Most notably Dave has produced several records for Shooter Jennings. The The Other Side also included some fabulous musicians including Fred Mandel whom has played with Elton John, Queen, and Alice Cooper. Jeff Michael currently lives and performs in Los Angeles with his band.
AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
-Band of Week, LA City Guide, May 18-25, 2008
-Gamba Award, Music Composition Award, Fredonia State(N.Y)
- Victoria Bohlen Music Composition Award, Fredonia State. N.Y.
- Awarded a stipend to compose music for The Cherry Orchard. Fredoinia State (N.Y)
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