Music Style 80's funk/rock

Musical Influences George Clinton, Prince, The Time, Hendrix

Artist History With his eclectic blend of funky grooves, psychedelic overtones, and insistent vocals, Michael Ruhl strides confidently through his latest release, Necessity’s a Mother, Volume I. Over fifteen years of attentive study and real-world experience have produced a versatile musician with a multihued background. Michael’s labors have yielded a mastery of the instrument known as the backbone of rhythm: the bass guitar. When many bass players are content to lay a simple, repetitive groove behind more traditional frontliners, Michael’s playing is hip, urgent, and distinct. His bass work has its own voice and is clearly an equal, if not a leading contributor in much of the music he produces. This assertive style is a result of vigorous studies under many accomplished musicians including Dino Fiumara, CEO and President of BSX bass and the inventor of a unique upright electronic bass, Joe McGuire of Room to Move, Joey Granati of G-Force, and Dwayne Dolphin, a superlative upright bassist. Michael’s bass-lines show bright red against a sea of gray. Michael’s style has undergone drastic evolution. From hard rock excursions in the late 80’s and early 90’s with Takeela and Smash Alley to grander funk voyages with Daisy Chain in the Mid-90’s to his present projects stemming from the late 90’s, which are unabashed solo forays into fusion. His influences range from Prince to Miles Davis to George Clinton and P-Funk. Michael continues to challenge himself and sharpen his musical skills. He taught himself both rhythm and lead guitar and matured his skills while studying with Rick Mals, a Berklee School of Music graduate. Singing and songwriting were a natural fit upon striking out on a solo career and any sampling of his work will show a strong aptitude for both. His skills are rounded out with self-taught keyboards that can be heard on his latest work. Notable other achievements include several sessions with Reggie “Wizard” Jones of TLC, Toni Braxton, and Keith Sweat fame. Michael’s talent manifested itself early in his career when, in 1992, he was voted runner-up best bassist in a Rock N Roll readers poll, placing second only to his instructor, Joey Granati. His live shows are not to be missed, especially for the musically aware. With the release of Necessity’s a Mother Volume I, Michael continues to shine as a bright, upcoming talent in the industry. The album delivers the feel of a live stage jam while still sounding surprisingly polished. Strong boogie numbers like “Basketcase Blues” and “Wishing Well” are layered well and carry the album. A jiving and slinky “We Gotta Be” is next, pumping a caffeinated bass groove with counterpoint keyboards, while the vaulted “Corsica” finishes the disc with a bluesy Pink-Floyd flair. On this latest work, Michael has surpassed himself. He promises to take the listener on an aural tour through the bandied halls of fusion funk, a tour wherein one room is upbeat and quirky, the next is relaxed, and another is brooding and melancholic. But no matter what, the building is always grooving and the architect always delivers.

Instruments bass, guitar, keys, vocals, percussion

Albums Necessity's a Mother-vol. 1

Additional Info www.shadowmusik.com

Location Pittsburgh, PA - USA

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