Album Notes

Michael's first album 'Hidden in Plain Sight' features nine original instrumental compositions for solo acoustic guitar, all performed live in the studio without the use of any overdubs. His second cd, the critically acclaimed "Being in Dreaming" was released in 2002
through the Dharma Moon record label. His third cd "Ally" will be released internationally in Spring 2005. Michael currently plays lead guitar in the hit Broadway musical "Wicked".

Michael has been playing the guitar for over twenty years and is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

He applies a wide variety of techniques and alternate tunings to cover a sonic spectrum vastly broader than conventional approaches to the acoustic guitar will allow.

We asked Michael to say a few words about his unique approach to the acoustic guitar, and the music that comes out.

"Well, I try to be very aware of giving each piece a signature or special occurance that only happens in that piece, so each composition has it's own unique shape and feeling it evokes.

In writing instrumental music, I think one has to be very careful about not getting too narcissistic in the use of technique for technique's sake. It's a form of underestimating the audience as listeners.

However, cultivating a broad palate of techniques is essential because you never know what will be required of you when a composition reveals itself to you. A good writer keeps their ears fresh so that the composition comes through them with as little resistance as possible.

It's really a form of meditation when you get right down to it. You're either in the way or you aren't."