Michael Powers (blues musician)
Michael Powers is a blues guitarist and singer who had a varied style. He has released albums from the late 1990s until the 2010s.
Background
Michael Powers grew up in New Jersey. His father who was a merchant seaman was away most of the time. His mother also had polio.[1]
As a boy, while watching television Powers would use a broom to play along with music performances. His mother later bought him a guitar with trading stamps.[2] He got early help from a man called Frank Delio who was from his congregation who taught him how to tune the guitar. Powers said that he was an amazing guitar player and teacher.[3]
For some years, Powers was a member of the group Moonbeams who had opened for artists such as Bo Diddley. His guitar playing was described by The Guardian as "understated" and "free of the more furious embellishments of so many would-be blues rockers.[4]
Frank Matheis of Acoustic Roots & Country Blues said that Powers was the only guitarist that truly reminded him of Jimi Hendrix.[5] According to ArtsWestchester, Powers is a 7-time Blues Music Award & Grammy Nominee.[6]
Career
1960s to 1990s
In the early part of Powers' career, he had his own band while still in high school. Later, he was a member of the group, The Ad Libs who had the hit, "The Boy from New York City".[7]
2000s to 2010s
His album Onyx Root was released in 2004. It was reviewed by Frank Matheis of Acoustic Roots & Country Blues. Matheis said that it was a masterpiece.[8] The following year, it was given four stars and received a positive review by Robin Denselow of The Guardian.[9]
In 2006, Powers released his Prodigal Son album. In addition to his six original compositions, he covered material by Sonny Boy Williamson, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Reed, Rev. Gary Davis, Arthur Lee and Tiny Bradshaw. It was reviewed by Jim Santella of All About Jazz who gave the album three stars, and said "For the most part, Powers rocks hard with electric guitar and plenty of action".[10]
In May, 2007, Powers appeared on the DCC museum "Delta Sounds" radio program on KFFA-AM. It was hosted by Sonny Payne and Terry Buckalew. he also gave a free concert which was held in the afternoon at the Cherry Street Pavilion.[11]
Powers was one of the headline acts booked to appear at the Front St. Jazz & Blues Walk which was held in Lahaina on April 5 and 6, 2013.[12]
2020s
Leading his band, the Blues Heritage Band which comprised Charlie Torres on bass, Michael Fox on drums, and Tommy Mandel on piano, they were booked to appear at the New Rochelle Public Library in New Rochelle, New York on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 7:00pm.[13]
Further reading
- Static and Feedback, June 20, 2008 - Once again, Michael Powers outlasts them all By JOSHUA LIEBERSON
References
- ^ WBUR, April 14, 2015 - The Life Of A NYC Bluesman
- ^ Tri-County Independent, June 4, 1978 - Shields and Powers to headline Mother's Best Fest - Thomas Jacques
- ^ WBUR, April 14, 2015 - The Life Of A NYC Bluesman
- ^ The Guardian, Friday December 16, 2005 - Review, Michael Powers, Onyx Root - Robin Denselow
- ^ Acoustic Roots & Country Blues, 2004 - Michael Powers' Onyx Root by Frank Matheis
- ^ ArtsWestchester, Friday, April 12, 2024 - MUSIC, Michael Powers’ Blues Heritage Band
- ^ Tri-County Independent, June 4, 1978 - Shields and Powers to headline Mother's Best Fest - Thomas Jacques
- ^ Acoustic Roots & Country Blues, 2004 - Michael Powers' Onyx Root by Frank Matheis
- ^ The Guardian, Friday December 16, 2005 - Review, Michael Powers, Onyx Root - Robin Denselow
- ^ All About Jazz, October 9, 2006 - Michael Powers: Prodigal Son By Jim Santella
- ^ Tri-County Independent, June 4, 1978 - Shields and Powers to headline Mother's Best Fest - Thomas Jacques
- ^ The Maui News, Mar 28, 2013 - Front St. Jazz & Blues Walk
- ^ ArtsWestchester, Friday, April 12, 2024 - MUSIC, Michael Powers’ Blues Heritage Band
External links
- Discogs - Michael Powers (3)
- AllMusic - Michael Powers
- Michael Powers channel, Apr 17, 2024 - Michael "Murch" Powers NY Blues Heritage Band - A Night In Madrid, Onyx Root