With a smokey voice, and rich guitar work, Michael Barretto mixes fine blues with a streak of island sunshine. He's is a pioneer of a hybrid genre that crosses urban and island music and is simply called Island Blues. The results are hearty crowd-pleasing sets filled with smooth rhythms, swampy backbeats, and thoughtful lyrics.
Michael has played in over a dozen countries including Germany, and Australia, and although he is based in Hawaii, he does not play "Touristy" ballads or "Hawaiian" reggae music.
Besides solo tours, Michael performs with various bands on the road. While in Europe he is frequently accompanied by "The Brian Kramer Band", and in Australia he's often accompanied by "The Bullock Island Band". Michael is a member of Grammy winner Taj Mahal's "The Hula Blues Band" that's been touring every year since 1995.
Michael Barretto was born in 1954 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He got his first guitar (a Kalamazoo) at the age of six from his father, an island country musician.
The range of music he found growing up in Hawaii included Blues, Country,Rock, Hawaiian, Calypso, and Salsa. These influences worked to form Michael's unique style. His first "gig" at 6 sparked a love for performing that still burns deep.
Michael has played professionally since 1972. In 1980 he met bluesman Taj Mahal. "The Hula Blues Band" was formed soon after and Michael has played with Taj ever since. "Hula Blues" has recorded twice; "Sacred Island" (in Europe "Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues") released in 1998, and "Hanapepe Dream" released in March 2001.
Michael plays guitar, banjo, ukulele, and bass. He has played on the same stage as Jesse Colin Young, Corey Harris, Henry Butler,Brian Kramer, Smokin' Joe Kubek and of course Taj Mahal.
Michael released his CD "Sometimes I Go" in 2000 and in 2001 "Live at Wangaratta." The music is getting airplay on an increasing number of radio stations worldwide (well over 100) including Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia and the US. |
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