For The Glory of God

This phrase most adequately expresses Michael's passion to create music that is beautiful and uplifting. His music spans World, Folk, Jazz, and Liturgical genres. His thematic focus remains consistent, touching the reality of misery in people's lives with a message of joyful hope.

Michael first picked up his father's guitar at age 5. It quickly became clear to his parents, especially his father who himself was a musician, that their son had been favored with a talent for music. Michael remembers, "the greatest gift at that time was not so much my musical ability but the support of my parents. They encouraged my desire to pursue music with a parental direction that highlighted the need for good choices and the acceptance of consequences.

He adds, "After decades of practice and personal growth, it's my opinion that artistic expression, as wonderful as it is, can sometimes lead its creator to self-absorption which is a contradiction to its intended purpose. It's a gift, not a right. Reflecting upon this in my early years, I can see how my parents were teaching me to look beyond my own eyelashes and to be mindful of others. Without a doubt this consistent message along with my Catholic upbringing would prove to be the greatest inspiration for me as a person and an artist."

In the early '90's Michael attended the University Of Notre Dame on an athletic scholarship for football under Coach Lou Holtz. The next five years would prove to be a challenging time as he struggled to meet the demands as a student, athlete, and artist. "There wasn't much time for music and it actually became a distraction as it took a back seat to the aggressiveness required for football. Nonetheless, his passion for music was too great and after evening team meals on his way back to the dorm Michael would pay visits to Crowley Music Hall where he began teaching himself piano. "I know my clumsy hands must have made some frightful sounds to the classical students, who were occupying the other practice rooms but I wasn't shy. I really wanted to play this instrument."

In May of '95 Michael graduated from Notre Dame and headed to Nashville to pursue music full time. Throughout the next ten years he held music industry related jobs, recorded with a handful of legendary musicians, and completed his first project, a Celtic CD that was never released. In October of '96 Michael began what would prove to be his most challenging project, a double CD titled 'Virtues' which consisted of both vocal and instrumental arrangements. "I had no idea that the production would be so involved. I wanted to create a body of music with a positive message. If I would have known the sacrifice it would require of me and my family I'm not sure I would have moved forward with it. It was an ecstasy and an agony. It would take every virtue to complete 'Virtues.'"

During this time in Nashville Michael also married his best friend of many years and had two children. "Marriage and the gift of children place everything in the proper context. I never look back and wonder what direction my life may have gone without the beauty of our little family."

Today, Michael lives in Kansas City where he and his wife Elizabeth are raising their boys near family. He has begun work on two endeavors; one that explores his roots in Folk and the other "picking up where 'Virtues' left-off." In either case, we can expect his music will continue to be true to his personal commitment of creating works of beauty that reflect the timeless and tireless face of love and mercy for the Glory of God.