“Lyrically driven and melodically focused,” Michael Krejci is a singer-songwriter on the rise. He writes about the simplicity of the rain and the complexity of love, intricately woven together to reflect his small town Indiana upbringing. Michael’s introspective songs and raw vocals have been compared to the likes of Bruce Robison, Radney Foster and Gordon Lightfoot. As a versatile songwriter, he writes from the heart, not to satisfy a specific genre, but to satisfy those who take his music for what it is, honest and genuine.
Since relocating to Nashville in the summer of 2002, Michael has been writing vigorously and his critically acclaimed debut album, "Out of the Blue" (released January 2007) speaks for itself. A blend of country, folk, bluegrass and roots styles, Out of the Blue is a tasteful mix of tunes that transcends genres, complementing Michael’s open minded musical spirit. Such mass appeal is evident by the diverse cast of musicians chosen to contribute to the project, including guest appearances by guitar slinger, Eric Heatherly, as well as The Stringdusters’ Jeremy Garrett and Andy Hall, among others. Ten of the eleven tracks are original tunes and there is something for everyone on Out of the Blue . . . it is a “melodic adventure that sifts its way through the ups and downs of everyday life, a soothing and refreshing collection of songs.” It is no wonder that Disc Makers, the nation's leading CD/DVD duplication company, chose the project to be featured on the cover of their June catalog, reaching millions of consumers and music fans alike!
Some of Michael’s career highlights thus far include opening for acoustic sensation, Lucy Kaplansky, bluegrass acts Special Consensus and Bottomline, performing at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café, the prestigious Americana Folk Festival(Patty Griffin/Mindy Smith), and recording with an array of top musicians who play with the likes of George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Keith Anderson, Julie Roberts, Pam Tillis and Patty Loveless. In addition to performing in Nashville, Michael plays regularly throughout the country to an ever-widening fan base. Whether you're listening to him perform solo-acoustic or with a band, you can't help but sit back, tap your foot, and get lost in the music.
Reviews:
"Out Of The Blue, Michael Krejci's new independent CD is, among other things, a visual delight. The record jacket's beautiful moody photographs are artistically done and set the perfect tone for the artists emotional and melancholy songs. The cover itself shows an introspective Krejci, and has such a "feel" to it, that I was hopeful the music would be just as good. And it is.
The first track serves as an introduction into the simple, but lyrically sensitive world of this understated but unique singer. Vocal comparisons could easily be made to a Mac McAnally or Lyle Lovett, and although the vocal tone is not the same, there is no doubt that this guy, much like a James Taylor, is a true singer ,songwriter who has to get his feelings out. Listening to the tracks of this introspective artist, who wrote every song but one by himself, we become an audience for his victories and wounds, where love either heals him or leaves him bleeding. Each song has a definitive style and identity with each track acoustically driven in much the same vein as some of the best bluegrass albums. But unlike his bluegrass peers, this artist's songs seem to be aiming for a broader and more commercial venue.
Starting off with the sweet, Not Anytime Soon, every song thereafter is about the hope's and disappointments that come with someone who gives his heart and soul to love. The second track, Anymore, the Travis Tritt country hit, has a unique and hip arrangement that's just fantastic. The anger and bitterness of Sick and Tired -the best song on the Cd-is palpable. North Carolina Girl keeps your toes tapping and has a hook that I couldn't stop singing after I heard it once.
Out Of the Blue is a good debut effort for Michael Krejci. I do feel however, that he is still on his path for artistic solid ground. For those of us who have become fans this is good news. I look forward to hearing more from this artist, and no doubt we will."
-Nancy Montgomery / Music News Nashville
"Out of the Blue is laden with 11 catchy, tuneful jams, straight-forward lyrics and a pure singer with an earnest, hopeful voice in the vein of early George Jones" -Josh Green / The Daily Sun
"Michael Krejci's latest, "Out of the Blue," goes down like a smooth Tennessee bourbon, with just as much full flavor. His voice is captivating, his songs compelling and the solid instrumentation makes this a record that must be noticed." -Mark Wehner / Host of Nashville's "Americana Tonight"
"Michael's songwriting takes you right out on the front porch. "Out of the Blue" makes it clear that we'll be hearing much more from Michael Krejci!" - Emilee Warner, DJ 88.3 WMTS "Bum Ditty"
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING . . .
"Just received your CDs, thanks so much. I've been listening to it all morning... just can't "stop playing it."
"North Carolina Girl and Sante Fe, New Mexico are my favorites!"
"I purchased my copy from the store yesterday and all your hard work shows- it's great!"
"THRILLED to have your CD! I have it in the kitchen and play it whenever I'm in there cooking. I have told and shown anyone else who will listen!!!"
"The cd's arrived. I LOVE IT. Thanks again man!"
"Sante Fe New Mexico is one of the best songs I've heard in a LONG time!"
"The whole cd is absolutely wonderful, I know all the words already and now my friends are really falling for it. I believe they are even checking out your myspace site and adding you to their lists of friends and even downloading from itunes!!"
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