Michael Hill

Style: East Coast

Musicians: Michael Hill (guitar,vocals)

MICHAEL HILL: Raised in the South Bronx, New York, Michael's early exposure to music included Harry Belafonte, Jackie Wilson, Johnny Ace, Elvis Presley and many other 78's and later 45's from his father Rufus' record collection. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lucia both sang and played the piano at home as well, and Michael briefly took piano lessons at age seven and sang in school glee clubs and the church choir as he grew up. Hearing Jimi Hendrix changed his life, inspiring his love of the electric guitar. During his years at Stuyvesant High School in the East Village, Michael and his friends spent virtually every weekend either inside or listening from the street outside the Filmore East and other New York concert venues. He was thus able to see Hendrix five times along with such other influences as Jeff Beck, Cream and blues heros B.B. King, Albert King and Buddy Guy. Michael began playing guitar at age 18 and started the band Wild Honey (briefly Brown Sugar) with his siblings Wynette, Kathy and Kevin, some childhood friends and two cousins in 1973. They specialized in popular soul and funk of the time while sneaking in the odd rock or blues number.

Michael continued playing with his siblings while also working as a sideman with various singers and doing the odd recording session, primarily playing cover material. In 1985 he was invited to join the band of poet/performer Sekou Sundiata and keyboardist Doug Booth; Sekou was to become a major influence and inspiration. The band also included Vernon Reid, who introduced Michael to the Black Rock Coalition. Michael was simultaneously playing in the rock outfit Fitz and the New York Band. This immersion in original music, combined with the urging of friends and associates to start his own band, led him to refocus on songwriting and form Michael Hill's Bluesland, out of which spun the Blues Mob.
Over the years Michael has been priviledged to perform or record with Little Richard, Carla Thomas, Harry Belafonte, Archie Bell and B.B. King, and has jammed with numerous blues heros, friends and colleagues, including B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Luther Allison. Recognized as one of modern blues' "most talented songwriters and guitarists" (Living Blues) and known for "uncompromising musical and lyrical integrity" (Goldmine), Michael has clearly learned much from his heros, especially the importance of originality. Now with four highly acclaimed albums, Michael Hill and his Blues Mob ignite stages all around the world in a unique, high energy expression of New York- style blues. Powerful singing, dazzling guitar playing and his engaging personal blend of warmth, conviction and humor have Michael leaving audiences feeling good first time, every time.

Michael Hill's Blues Mob " Heat On The Highway" Vienne, France in 2000