Kurt Michaels has returned with his new album: Stones From The Garden , which he released on July 7th , 2023, on Melodic Revolution Records, and distributed by Queyamsi Publishing.
Kurt Michaels, is a Chicago based singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He and his band, Continuum, have not released an album, since Soaring Back to Earth, which was released in January 2011. It was critically well received. Kurt’s professional career in music dates back to 1975. From the band’s press release: “Continuum served as Denny Laine’s (Moody Blues/Paul McCartney & Wings) back-up band for several Chicago area shows in 2015-2017. They opened concerts for Carl Palmer (ELP & Asia), The Babys, Ike Willis (Frank Zappa) and Carl Verheyen (Supertramp)”.
According to the band’s press release: “The recording sessions for Stones From The Garden began in 2018”. The lineup for Stones From The Garden, includes the following artists and musicians: Kurt Michaels, on guitar and vocals, (all tracks); Len Szymanski, on drums (tracks 1 thru 6); Scott Williams, on bass (tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6); Dennis Johnson, on bass (track 4); John Abbey, on bass (track 5); Billy Sherwood, on bass and drums (track 7), and vocals on (tracks 4 and 5); Jim Gully, on keyboards (tracks 2, 3, 5 and 8); Jeff Abbott, on keyboards (track 4); Chris Ussery, on keyboards (track 4); Michael Sherwood on keyboards (tracks 1, 6 and 7); Cory Hance, on vocals (tracks 3 and 7); Annie Carlson, on vocals (tracks 3 and 4); Amanda Lehmann, on vocals (tracks 4 and 5); and Kathie Mills, on vocals (tracks 1, 2, 6 and 7).
This is a very uplifting album full of inspirational lyrics, especially the song, “Happiness”, which is an almost 5-minute celebration of the feeling we all love. However, from beginning to end, this album is about dreaming well, acting with kindness and having hope for the future, despite all the bad news that infects our airwaves and communications globally. We all need this album as much as a Jon Anderson Yes classic. No, Kurt Michaels does not reach those high notes we remember from Jon, but this guy is truly inspired, and we can all use that right now with all the effects of climate change, war in Ukraine and the other misfortunes that surround our daily existence. Take some time out and sit back and enjoy some positive words of hope.
From “Trouble”, to the end of the album, there are many experiences learned and shared throughout this album as a way to impart knowledge and wisdom.
“Why Must Life Be Such a Fight?”, is song of frustration over all that we have to get through, as we try to meander a life of happiness and personal growth. I agree that it should be a lot easier, and it could, as Kurt summarizes, if we all could cooperate and share our successes and wisdom in order to make the planet a better place for all to live. If you agree with that principle, you will appreciate Kurt’s plea and appeal.
“I’m In Love With That Dream”, is a cool over 7-minute guitar symphony of power. It has a cool Jimi Hendrix feel to it, a little like Jimi’s 1983… (A Merman I Should Turn to Be), at its opening; only this is a love song, and a great one at that, it is.
“Relax… Nothing’s Under Control!”, is another great commentary on modern life. One of my favorite English performers, Amanda Lehmann, sings a guest lead vocal on this one. She sings remembrance themes from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speech and poem, that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Thank you, Amanda!
“Forever (So Completely)”, is all about making changes to help keep this planet and its people alive, so that we can keep both…forever… Amanda Lehmann sings backing vocals this time, on this powerful lyrical track.
“Happiness”, is an early favorite, but “Will I Ever Pass This Way Again?”, has a familiar Beatles-like melodic rhythm that will simply bring a smile to your face and maybe tears of joy to your eyes.
“The Road Beyond”, is just what you hoped for. A slow, deliberate pace towards the future, full of radiant keyboards and soaring electric guitars. An over 17-minute epic closer that will have you remembering Jon and Vangelis’ work together. Some of the wonderful electric guitar riffing and sounds will take you back to Steve Howe’s infinite magic. Simply beautiful, full of symphonic power.
Kurt’s closing comments after this fantastic closer are overwhelming, well placed and stated.
Please give this album your attention and your ears. It was a wonderful surprise to me. Perhaps it will be for you as well.
Track List:
1 Trouble (5:27)
2 Why Must Life Be Such A Fight (6:34)
3 I’m In Love With That Dream (7:30)
4 Relax… Nothing’s Under Control! (5:20)
5 Forever (So Completely) (4:23)
6 Happiness (4:50)
7 Will I Ever Pass This Way Again? (5:41)
8 The Road Beyond (17:00)
The album was engineered by Mike Hagler @ Kingsize Soundlabs Country. The artwork was created by Krista Wallhagen. The cover label photograph completed by: Kelly Foster. The inner sleeve and back cover photographs were produced by: Linda Van Brakel. Additional layout work was completed by Steven Hashimoto.
Website and Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurtmichaels
Bandcamp: https://kurtmichaels.bandcamp.com/music
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmcpro615
You Tube and Music Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@kurt1596
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23kurtmichaels