Evento

Michael on Fire

In the opening track of the new album, Healing Waters, Michael On Fire sings,"Yesterday is here tomorrow;" that line epitomizes the paradoxical character of the record. Taken as a whole, this 16-song collection belies comparison to other works and other artists, yet (paradoxically) each of the individual song sare reminiscent of other seminal artists who've influenced this music. It is a great melting pot of styles (Country Rock, blues, folk, jazz, swing, Americana,bluegrass, classic and old time rock and roll); yet, it is precisely that breadth and that range that keeps it from fitting comfortably into any one of the genres.

On Healing Waters, Michael is accompanied by the band that has performed with him since 2012, including Bill Flores on pedal steel, accordion, dobro and mandolin; Bear Erickson on electric guitar, baritone guitar and bass guitar; Tyson Leonard on violin and Tompeet Fredriksen on drums and percussion. Included also are two duets with "the Carter Girl," Carlene Carter. Despite such masterful accompaniment and collaboration, we also (paradoxically) get some of the most simple, honest, stripped down recordings to be found in MOF's extensive discography, which includes 18 albums, more than 200 songs.

He is a fiercely independent artist; like anyone who makes music for a living, he wants people to listen to and like his music, and yet he makes no effort to be accepted, or to conform or adhere to anything! rules, conventions, formulas or commercial considerations.

"Every day is a challenge to maintain our humanity and our dreams," said Michael. "My job is to somehow gift the world with the courage it takes to follow one's own heart and path; to play that magic chord in a way that I've never played it before, and somehow be of service to myself, my children, my family, my friends, my generation, and the people who truly need something beyond the obvious nonsense that we are all faced with on a daily basis."As always with Michael on Fire, the lyrics are a profound component; the songs feature potent social and environmental commentary, spiritual ruminations and personal reflections, fused throughout with a ray of hope.