Short Bio
Kurt Michaels is a Chicago-based singer/songwriter/guitarist and a touring veteran who has played with or shared a stage and/or contracted musicians for legendary rock icons, including Spencer Davis, Joey Molland (Badfinger), Denny Laine (Moody Blues & Paul McCartney/Wings), Ike Willis (Frank Zappa), The Babys, Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake & Palmer), Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), Tom Brislin (Kansas), Chris Squire & Alan White (Yes), Wolfman Jack, Otis Day, The Drifters, Coasters & Platters, Fabian, Temptations, Bobby Vinton and others….
Venues performed at include Wire, SPACE in Evanston, Mayne Stage, Reggies, Chicago Theater, Shank Hall, Bloomington Center For The Performing Arts, GSU Performing Arts Center, Park West, Raue Center, Northlight Theater @ Potowatomi Casino, and many others….
Discography
Kurt Michaels – Stones From The Garden (2023)
Action Moves People (2013)
Soaring Back To Earth – Self-Released (2011)
Outer Worlds – Umbrello Records (2007)
Inner Worlds Part One – Eitux Records (2003)
Kurt Michaels – Stones From The Garden (2023)
The long-awaited follow-up to Soaring Back To Earth….a harder-hitting collection of newly penned originals.
Guest appearances by Billy Sherwood (Yes), Michael Sherwood (Sammy Davis Jr, Toto, and The Monkees), Amanda Lehmann (Steve Hackett), John Abbey (John Cale), and Dennis Johnson (Survivor, Dennis DeYoung & Chase)
Action Moves People (2013)
A spoken word compilation celebrating unity and universal love. Includes Kurt Michaels’ “Moments Like These”. Other artists contributing to this project included John Wetton (King Crimson/UK/Asia).
A comment from Paul Simon: “I wholeheartedly support the producers’ excellent efforts, which were put into the album, Action Moves People. I think it is well done, promoting a better future for everyone, and I’m all for that.”
Soaring Back To Earth – Self-Released (2011)
A diverse collection of harmonically inventive original rock songs with narratives that reflect adult themes. Includes guest appearances by Billy Sherwood (Yes), Tom Brislin (Kansas), and Michael Sherwood (Sammy Davis Jr, Toto, and The Monkees)
Outer Worlds – Umbrello Records (2007)
A live compilation of improvised guitar-based soundscape duets, accompanied by Jim Gully, Michael Cosentino, and John Melnick
Inner Worlds Part One – Eitux Records (2003)
Debut solo studio release of atmospheric/instrumental/electronic music sprinkled with guitar.
Kurt Michaels – all instruments
What a few folks had to say about Kurt Michaels music:
“Kurt is a class act…and like a friendly port in the storm, he is always a welcome sight to behold. His innovative creations speak for themselves”
Denny Laine (Moody Blues and Paul McCartney & Wings)
“For those of you who like old school massive rock production Brit style”
Jack Douglas (Producer John Lennon, Patti Smith, and Aerosmith)
“I’ve worked with Kurt in the past and quickly discovered that he is a true artist. Caring for music and composition the way it should be….he has a great sound I’d recommend to any music lover.”
Billy Sherwood (Yes & Asia)
“This is truly a strong “progressive” piece of music, with a really good memorable melody and captivating words. Easy to follow, nice feel to it, and wonderful “musical” vocals…highly recommended by me!
Annie Haslam (Renaissance) about “I’m In Love With That Dream”
“Listening to your music I feel like I am back in London England on Oxford Street at AIR studios with Sir George Martin. Very Nice music!”
Ralphe Armstrong (Mahavishnu Orchestra & Aretha Franklin)
“Prog love! Cool concepts, lots of textures, and some nice chordal twists and turns.”
CJ Vanston (film composer Spinal Tap, songwriter & producer: Toto, Spinal Tap, Joe Cocker &Def Leppard)
Kurt Michaels Online
Website: https://kurtmichaels.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurtmichaelscontinuum
Bandcamp: https://kurtmichaels.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/