musicartists.html

History / Bio

Michael started playing guitar and keyboards in 1964, mandolin and bass in 1973, pedal steel in 1974, and banjo in 1979. He grew up in the Hollywood hills and in 1970 moved up to Visalia in the Central California area. He pursued art and music full time and started giging at the age of 20. In 1975, while still in Visalia, the "Stoney Creek" band landed a house gig playing 5 nights a week at the "1865" restuarant in San Luis Obispo, CA, so all three members moved to and rented a house in Morro Bay, CA. "Stoney Creek" had much success and remained house-band residents for 6 months. The next 20 years, Michael worked full time traveling and performing from Los Angeles to San Francisco, he maintained a schedule of 14 hour days, having one to two days "off" between 20 to 25 days "on" while balancing playing in 5 to 7 different bands. In order to cover all the bases for gigs that require different musical styles, he pulled out the guitar and keyboards for rock bands and guitar, pedal steel, and banjo in the country bands.

For several years, at different extended time intervals, he taught up to 50 guitar students a week, styles ranging from rock, country, bluegrass, jazz, and classical. He taught at “The Music Factory” music store in San Luis Obispo, CA, “Ben Jacks” music store in Fayetteville Arkansas, and from either his or students home.

When not on a stage or in a rehearsal room the recording studio took priority, which lead to being an established in-house "hired gun" studio musician at several Central Coast 24 track studios. His duties included playing acoustic/electric guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo, bass, co-arranging and producing. At Moon Studio in Nipomo, CA the two main session players to call were Michael and Terry Lawless (horns/keyboard and midi-tech for U-2, Cher, Chicago, Springsteen, Janet Jackson, Bowie, Buffett, etc).

In concert venues he has opened up for Delbert Mclinton, Shelly West (Dottie's daughter), Pake McEntire (Reba’s brother), Gary Morris (hit songs “Why Lady Why” and “Wind Beneath My Wings”), Restless Heart, Billy Joe Royal (hit song “Down in the Boondocks”), Dusty Chaps, Papa John Creach (post Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane), and Stoneground (with members of Elvin Bishop band). In 1994 he performed with the opening act (Emmy Mack and The Trim) at the “Live Oak Music Festival” north of Santa Barbara, CA. In 2008 played in the "Patsy Cline Always" show in Sun City, Palm Springs with Cindy Summers (Patsy Cline, Karen Carpenter, Judy Garland impersonator/singer), Misty Rowe (Film, tv and stage star: Hee Haw etc.), Jeffrey Beering (New York musical director and pianist), Gerry (GD) Walker (pedal steel), Dennis Noda (bass- Classic Rock All Stars), Robert Zapata (drums- Cannibal and the Headhunters).

Some “other” notables he has performed and/or recorded with are Hoyt Axton, Jay Lacy (guitar and vocals with Elvis Presley and John Snyder from Dukes of Hazzard), Billy Martin (Tele and vocals with Little Jimmie Dickens and Charlie Pride), Piper Heisig (bass and vocals in Cats & Jammers), Harold Brown (drums in War), Merrell Fankhauser (composed, guitar, and vocals in the Maui band "Mu" and the 60's surf band "The Impacts" which rode the wave of success with the hit song "Wipeout"), 1990 Grammy Award Winner Louie Ortega (guitar and vocals in the Texas Tornados with Freddy Fender and Doug Sham), Mike Dean (guitar tech for Bonnie Raitt, Chicago, Boz Skaggs, etc), Archie Johnson (guitar, keys and vocals with Glenn Yarbrough & The Havenstock River Band and wrote songs for John Snyder from Dukes of Hazzard), Mike Caldwell (harmonica with Lorretta Lynn and is now musical director and hosting the “Country Tonight Show” in Nashville), Joe Weed (fiddle, mandolin, vocals and owns a top notch recording studio in the Santa Cruz mountains, CA), Charlie Baker (Nashville songwriter, performer), Andy Ackland (recording engineer, performer), Mark and Michael Lennon from the Venice band.

While living in Santa Cruz 1995 to 2001, he deciding to get out of the 4 & 1/2 hour "cover" bar band dance scene and formed a concert oriented all "original" fusion progressive rock band called "Xibition". Michael moved to San Diego in 2001, started performing and recording locally with the "Janet Rucci Band" and put together another concert oriented progressive fusion rock band called "Newer Signs". In the spring of 2006, in addition to developing his own original music, he joined the "Steer Crazy" country swing band and played pedal steel on 90% of the Bob Wills style of material.

From 2007 to 2012 Michael performed pedal steel and guitar with the "Coyote Gulch" country band, bass and guitar in "Sons of Leisure" jazz duo/trio/quartet, performed live and recorded a CD with "Janet Rucci" playing pedal steel and guitar, guitar in the "BigFunBand " funk dance band, guitar and synth in his original project "Newer Signs" rock fusion band, guitar and pedal steel in the “Off The Wagon Band” and “Steel Horse” country bands.

From 2012 to present (2016) Michael performs pedal steel, guitar, bottleneck slide guitar and dobro in the Bahapki all original music band from Chico, CA. Bahapki has performed in music festivals and Sierra Nevada Brewery Big room. In 2013, he set up a home Pro Tools recording studio, has done remote recording for 1) San Luis Obispo, CA song writer JJ Ford's “Perfect Saturday Night” CD playing pedal steel, electric and acoustic guitar, 2) Los Osos, CA songwriter Paul S Silva's CD, 3) Played pedal steel, banjo and guitar on Bahapki's second CD, 4) Background soundtracks for MJO productions in Santa Cruz, CA, plus Michael has recorded 2 CD’s worth of fresh original music playing guitars, keyboards, and drum loop programing, which is posted in SoundCloud.

Starting in 2015 to present (2016) Michael performs guitar and keyboards in the all original jazz rock fusion quartet “Audio Buffet”, showcasing his and the keyboardist Robert Kahane’s compositions.

Below is an attempt to make some sense out of all the people that I have acquaintance's with and/or performers that I have played music with.
Please be patient while I sort out and try to organize my past....

( Last update = 2009, current info coming soon.... )

• Xibition: 1996-2000. A Santa Cruz, CA based all original fusion "Satriani-esque" progressive rock band.

• Newer Signs: 2001 to 2007. A San Diego, CA based all original fusion progressive rock band.

• Janet Rucci Band: (Composer, vocals, acoustic guitar) Have been performing in Janets band from 2001 to 2007 around San Diego, CA area playing pedal steel and 67 Telecaster with Roland GR-20 guitar synth added recently. Current band members include Hector Toro (Drums, vocals), Rick Kern (Bass) Rick is also playing bass in "Rockstreet Band". The music samples currently on Janets site were recorded a few years ago with previous band members. We are in process of recording Janets new CD at "Big Fish Recording Studio" in Rancho Santa Fe, CA and "Audio Design Recording" in San Diego, CA. Ben Moore iengineer/producer and also performs Hammond B3 in the local jazz fusion band Pocket. Janets new CD includes performances by Harry Hache (bass), Hector Toro (drums, vocals), Bob Ternanski (bass).

• Joe McGowan: (Bass, groove master) Joes motto is "The money is from the 7th fret down". Joe jammed with the"Janet Rucci Band"

• Steer Crazy Band: This is a newly formed country swing band (2006). Am performing on my 1974 MSA pedal steel and 67 Telecaster guitar with Roland GR-20 guitar synth added and yes, I wear a cowboy hat for these gigs. The "world class" San Diego, CA based members are: Sharon Courtney (Vocals, violin, keyboards), Carol (Vocals, keyboards), Ken Gill (Composer, vocals, guitar), Ed Reeves (Drums, DJ), and Steve Azola (Bass, owner & bass luthier of Azola Basses).

• Working Cowboy Band: Played 1974 MSA pedal steel in 2006 with WCB in San Diego, CA area and am "on-call" when needed. Yes, I do wear a cowboy hat for these gigs too.

• Andy Ackland - Rolling Thunder Studios: (2006) Recorded 1974 MSA pedal steel with Andy engineering/producing on Anne E. DeChant's new cd. • Andy Ackland - Anne E. DeChant
• Andy Ackland at Barnes & Noble

• Alex Woodard - home page, Alex at Google search: (Composer, vocals, acoustic guitar) In 2005 I recorded 1974 MSA pedal steel on his newest cd titled "Up With The Sun" at "Big Fish Recording Studio" in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. On the heels of his record label going under (owned by Tower Records), he just won singer-songwriter of the year at the l.a. music awards (10/31/06).

• Harvey Starr - Starr Labs:
Harvey is the "mad happy inventor" owner of Starr Labs plus a darn good ZTAR performer. For several months in 2005 I tested ZTAR's for Vernon Reed, Billy Sheehan, Lee Ritenour, etc. Helped to develop a pedal steel style application utilizing pressure sensitive pads on the ZTAR, fine tuned the performance of the string triggers, and contributed practical creative feedback.

• Jill Knight: (Composer, vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards). Played my 67 Telecaster, 1974 MSA pedal steel, DX 21 and Roland Juno 106 keybard in "Jill Knight & the All Knighters" band for five years in mid eighties, during that time she was awarded "Best Female Vocalist" in San Luis Obispo, CA. We recorded a full unreleased album at "Sutton Recording Studio" in Atascadero, CA. which included Mike Dean (guitar, vocals), Brian Shira (bass, vocals), Scott Wright (horns), Keven McKraken (harmonica), Richard Green (vocals)

• Greg Earl: (Bass, vocals) Greg and I mainly performed in early Jill Knight Band, "Richard Green Band", and "The Cadillacs Band". • GregEarlBandMySpace

• Ken Klar : (Drums. vocals, composer, song writer specialists and teacher) Ken played and sang in the first version of Jill Knights band. Ken is now advising, teaching, producing upcoming songwriters at his business site "Must Have Music". • Ken at On-Line Rock 1 , • Ken at On-Line Rock 2 , • Ken at Music Dish , • Ken at Music Island , • Ken at Music Writers Network

• Brian Shira: (Bass, vocals) Brian and I performed and recorded in "Jill Knight & the All Nighters" and the only two bands that I was the official band leader "The Fly By Nighters" and "The Rock Doctors". Brian went on to San Francisco to perform in "Tree o Frogs" band. • Brian Shira in Tree o Frogs Band

• Tom W Rush : (Composer, acoustic guitar, vocals) One of my best friends, lived with Tom in early 1980's in Arroyo Grande, CA and again 1990's at his ranch/recording studio on the Nipomo Mesa, CA. I co-arranged/produced and recorded 67 Telecaster, 1974 MSA pedal steel, and keyboards on over two albums worth of Toms compositions "I Love You To Much" and "Alway Further Down The Road" plus performed several of Toms original live showcases. Recorded his work at his ranch studio and at "Moon Recording Studio". • "Always Further Down The Road" at CD Baby

• Kerri Wilson : (Vocals) John Mathews composed a huge body of work for Kerri to sing. I co-arranged and recorded 1974 MSA pedal steel, 67 Telecaster, acoustc guitar, and bass on seven songs for Kerri's "Heart of a Fool" album. Recorded at "Moon Recording Studios" in Nipomo, CA. • "Heart of a Fool" at CD Baby

• Joyce Marden : (Vocals) John Mathews composed a huge body of work for Joyce to sing. I co-arranged and recorded 1974 MSA pedal steel, 67 Telecaster, acoustc guitar, and bass for seven songs on "Cool Mornings" (1st CD) and four songs on "A Hard Winter" (2nd CD). Recorded at "Moon Recording Studios" in Nipomo, CA. • Joyce at "Music Video Greeting Cards" , • "A Hard Winter" at CD Baby , • "Cool Mornings" at CD Baby .

• Louie Ortega: (Composer, vocals, electric and acoustic guitar) During the 1980's thru 90's I performed on my 67 Telecaster and 1974 MSA pedal steel with Louie thru-out the San Luis Obispo, CA area in the "Speed Bumps" and in "Louie Ortega and his Wild Jalapeno Band". Louie's band members are: Dee Burr: Bass, vocals, and keyboards, Frank Paredes: Bass, vocals and acoustic guitar, Richard Burr: Drummer, vocals • Richard at CD Baby, • Richard at Rythmnet.

• Monte Mills: (Vocals, acoustic guitar) I "cut my country pick'n teeth" playing 67 Telecaster and my 1974 MSA pedal steel with Monte for over 20 years (1975 to 1995) in the San Luis Obispo area. He always surrounded himself with astounding country players, a few names I shared the stage with: Mike Caldwell on harmonica who went on to play with Loretta Lynn. • Mike Caldwell on "Country Tonite Theater " , Peter Morgan: (guitar, vocals), Glenn Rathbone (guitar, vocals), Chris Scarbrough (guitar, vocals), Sonny Richter (guitar, vocals), Allan Dick (fiddle, vocals), Bruce Hampton (bass, vocals), Derrell Voss (drums), Joel Rose (horns), Larry hankel (drums), Mark Nealson (drums), Marty Loy (fiddle), Barry Kaufman (mandolin) etc. It was an honor to watch from 4 feet away Frank Hardcastle (pedal steel) record tracks on Montes first album at "Sutton Sound Recording Studio" in Atascadero, CA. in late 1970's. Joe Weed: (fiddle) Met up with Joe while living in Santa Cruz, CA during late 1990's. • Joe Weed at Gourd • Joe Weed at Amazon

• Geert de Lang : (Bass, vocals) Geert and I played in a Pink Floyd tribute band we put together called "Floydian Ripp" which I performed exclusively on my early 90's Carvin electric. Geert and I played together for 5 years in "The Archie Johnson and the All Purpose Coyote Choir" band, also he recorded bass at "Sutton Recording Studio" in Atascadero, CA on "Mike Lanes" first album called the "The Restless Kind" which I co-produced, recorded telecaster, pedal steel and keyboards. Geert played in a few variations of Jill Knights bands. He now plays full time in "The Might Croon Dogs". We still get together once a year at the three day "Live Oak Music Festival" in the Cachuma pass, north of Santa Barbara, east of Buelton, CA to camp, jam and listen to world class performers. • Geert at "SLO Blues Society"

• Laura Lee : (Vocals, percussion, photography) Performed with Laura since 1977, first in "Dapper Band", "Deja Blues" band, and the Pink Floyd tribute band "Floydian Ripp".

• Dennis Carvalo : (Drums, vocals, guitar) • Dennis at "SLO Blues Society" , • Dennis with "Mighty Croon Dogs".

• Buffy Sharon Doran : (Vocals, guitar) • Buffy at "SLO Blues Society" . Buffy and Pam Delgado played with us in a variation of Jill Knights band.

• Scott Wright : (Sax, vocals) • Scott at "SLO Blues Society" , • Scott with "Mighty Croon Dogs", Recorded and performed in "Jill Knight & the All Knighters" band.

• Billy Foppiano : (Guitar, vocals, all round wiseguy) • Billy at Cambria Pines Lodge , • Billy in "Mighty Croon Dogs" , • Billy at "SLO Blues Society"

• Sal Garza : (Violin, drums) Sal played drums in a Pink Floyd tribute band we put together called "Floydian Rip", we rehearsed the two and a half hour show every Wednesday night for one year and performed it once at "Sweet Springs Saloon" in Los Osos, CA to a Standing Room Only crowd, it was filmed and I just recently had it transfered onto DVD. Sal also played drums in one of my own bands named "Rock Doctors". I did the graphics for a poster of one of Sals classical violin and piano duets performed in San Luis Obispo in mid 1990's. Sal also played drums on my original album recorded at "Moon Recording Studio" in Nipomo, CA in early 1990's. He Performed in several classical orchestras from east to west coast, also recorded and performed in Hollywood with the avant guard "Downey Mildew" band. • Sal at Avila Beach, CA concert 2 , • Sal at Avila Beach, CA concert 3 , • Sal with San Luis Chamber Orchestra 1 , • Sal with San Luis Chamber Orchestra 2 , • Sal with "Downey Mildew" band 1 , • Sal with "Downey Mildew" band 2 .

• Tommy Lee Nunes : (Guitar, vocals, fine art painter) Played with Tommy in his band and opened up for major country acts in the 1980's in the house band at "The Spirit" night club located up on the hill over-looking San Luis Obispo, CA. • Tommy with the "Sentinals"

• Kirk Handley : (Keyboards, vocals, composer) Performed with Kirk in late 1970's in the "Slippery Elm" band. We composed dancable progressive fusion funk rock, also learned and played a full set of Little Feat songs pretty much note for note in addition "Slippery Elm" went to see Little Feat at the Santa Barbara Bowl just before Lowell George passed away.

• Gary Steinman : (Bass, vocals) Played with Gary in various bands in San Luis Obispo area.

• Rick Fagin - Home page: (Bass, creator of "one minute songs") One of my closest friends since early high school days (1967). Rick and I, along side Will Shea and Greg Thusing, won the battle of the bands (during 11th grade) in the psychedelic "Chrome Dome Maintena" band. Rick Fagin: UCLA contact page.

• Merrell Fankhauser - official site
• Merrell Fankhauser - UTube
• Merrell Fankhauser with Impacts
• Merrell Fankhauser - Albums with John Cipollina of Quicksilver Messenger Service
• Merrell Fankhauser at Lance Records
• Merrell Fankhauser at Music Dish
• Merrell Fankhauser - Music Dish interview
• Merrell Fankauser at Progressive World
• Merrell Fankhauser/Jack Cassidy band

• Joel Rose: history
• Joel Rose with Impacts

• John Bankston (Johhny Pozo) at Cambria Pines Lodge

• Eddy Sandor

• Cache Valley Drifters

• James Theobald

Archie Johnson

• Archie Johnson with Glenn Yarbrough & The Havenstock River Band
• Archie Johnson at Cosgwells
• Archie Johnson photo

• Garry Goodman: (Bass) all I can say is WOW!!

• Guy Bud Band

• Tim Jackson

• Craig Nuttycombe
• Craig Nuttycombe at CD Universe

• Travis Larson Band
• Travis Larson Band in San Luis Obispo Tribune

still under construction - alot more to come....

Home | Art Home | Music Home | Famous Quotes | Contact