Live Performance - Keeping It Real
Since childhood, Michael has had an affinity with the piano. It has been his main source of expression and creativity through out his life. His abilities as a live performer have been honed throughout his career.
Although Michael has played in a “million” bands, here are some of the highlights of his career:
JUST SOME OF MY LIVE PERFORMANCES
Burton Cummings - 1977-1978 - Michael toured with the Burton Cummings Band. Burton had just left the Guess Who and was embarking on a solo career.
Michael was chosen, by Burton, to be his electronic keyboard player. He performed with 7 keyboards and re-created all they keyboards used for the recording of Burton's debut album.
When performing a show in Canada, Burton was always the headliner. However when touring in the states the Burton Cummings Band were the opening act for many legendary recording acts:
The Bee Gee’s - International super group.
Two nights of sold out shows at the New York Nassau Coliseum.
Alice Cooper - Shock Rock at its best.
One month North American Tour culminating at Detroit Michigan’s Cobo Hall. Two nights of sold out shows in honour of Alice’s Birthday.
ZZ Top - Pride of the Lone Star State.
North American tour ending in my home town of Fargo North Dakota.
Hall and Oats - The Dynamic Duo.
North American tour celebrating all the “hits”. (great tour!)
Seals and Crofts-Award winning duo.
American tour.
America - The beautiful harmonies of America’s finest.
American / Canadian Tour.
Television Shows
Burton Cummings
CBC Super Special - celebrating the reunion of Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman and a performance by Manhattan Transfer backed by the Burton Cummings band.
Soundstage - Bachman and Cummings - along with Randy Bachman at Chicago’s live concert venue. Weekly TV show featuring the best in popular music.
The Dinah Shore Show - Pasadena California. Legendary television host Dinah Shore’s daily TV show feature the popular talent at the time. Guests included Ray Charles and comedian George Carlin along with Burton Cummings.
Live Performances
Lisa Dal Bello
1979 - Toronto based songstress. Disco Queen. Hit song “Pretty Girls”.
I was hired to be Lisa’s band director. One month rehearsal, one month tour. End of story!
Tim Thorney Band
1978-1979 - I left the Burton Cummings Band to form a band with Winnipeg singer/songwriter Tim Thorney. Great band. Road animals. Lots of fun! Signed to the London Records label. Tim and I wrote and produced two full albums of material. One of my most creative bands.
Diamond in the Rough
1988 - I was asked to help form and produce an album for this local Vancouver band. Signed to the Virgin Records, the first Canadian signing. Studio band with great original material of which I was producer/co-writer.
The album was re-released in Europe in 2010 to moderate success.
Burton Cummings Introduces the Band!
Live at Hatch Shell, Boston MA - I am Electronic Keyboards & Vocals.
Burton Cummings | Live at the Hatch Shell, Boston, MA
Always at the top of his game... come on in, check it out, and "let's put it on Play"