HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE MICHELLE WILLSON?
A writer in the respected Allmusic.com once put it this way: "Her singing is like a strong cup of Joe -- it beelines to the gut and jolts the system."
And that's putting it mildly.
Michelle is a force of nature -- an emotional ball of talent that inspires with her original songs but also takes you on a journey through what she calls "the lost music" of vintage soul/R&B legends like Dinah Washington, Ruth Brown and Etta James. As she says, "They were all different, but the one thing they shared was intensity. And that's what I'm trying to bring, too."
Operating on instinct since she doesn't read music, Michelle has had a remarkable career. The Boston native made four albums with Bullseye Records (a subsidiary of Rounder Records) under the watchful eyes of producers Ron Levy (who also played keyboards with B.B. King for many years) and the Grammy Award-winning Scott Billington, who has more than 100 albums to his credit. Michelle herself has been nominated for the W.C. Handy Award for best blues vocalist (she lost to Etta James) and has toured internationally.
Now comes an exquisite live album, "Fortune Cookie," made with her band, the Evil Gal Festival Orchestra (the "Evil Gal" is plucked from a Dinah Washington song). It was recorded at the famous Scullers club in Boston before a packed house that heard Michelle belt out a cross-section of originals and other favorites that had the crowd calling for more. It is another high-water mark in her career and confirms a strong comeback after a hiatus she took to recharge.
During her time off, she realized she he had reached her old dreams and had to devise new ones. She questioned if she had anything more to say, but the voluble singer now states, "I always have more to say!"
"Thanks for sharing the good music - fine singing and musicianship.
This is a well performed and well produced album, with good recording quality."
Bruce Iglauer - Alligator Records
"...powerful passionate singer - marvelous mistress of blues, jump and swing - celebrates her rollicking new recording, "Fortune Cookie"...
Boston Globe 1/23/14
Michelle Willson and her Evil Gal Festival Orchestra offer fine live album Fortune Cookie
Bill Copeland Music News
Upcoming Shows
Encore: A Night To Celebrate at Mechanic's Hall in Worcester, MA
In honor of the retirement of Mechanic's Hall Executive Director Kathy Gagne.
Mechanic's Hall 321 Main St. Worcester, MA
Blues Brunch at The Beehive in Boston
Love this monthly blues brunch hang. Lovely people, great food, in the historic Cyclorama building smack dab in the groovy South End of Boston.
Shinichi Otsu - keys
There will be some sass at the Lass Stop
Wonderful new place in downtown Lowell. Great staff, delicious food and a nice atmosphere for a fun night out. Sophisticated but comfortable - soulful music vibe.
245 Central St. Lowell, MA
It's the old "Kappy's Copper Kettle", if you're trying to google it.
Sunday evening at Hearth Pizzeria with Bruce Millard
I love this little place. The pizza is off the hook! Looking forward to joining Bruce Millard and friends for a few tunes on a Sunday evening. Come on out!
Waltham Farmer's Market
Joining Maestro Mike Williams and friends for some summer afternoon fun at The Waltham Farmer's Market. Right in downtown Waltham - plenty of parking - great vendors - wonderful community vibe.
Gospel At Community Hall
A soulful, Sunday songfest in this historic, beautiful hall in Woods Hole, MA.
Michelle will be singing with Downstreet Gospel Review.
68 Water St. Woods Hole, MA
Doors: 2pm
Show: 2:30pm
Tickets $25.00
Tickets available at Eight Cousins Books in Falmouth
Or call Tom Renshaw at 508 548 7852
Theodore's Blues, Brews and BBQ Springfield, MA
Love playing at this iconic venue. The food is fantastic, the staff warm and welsoming. It's blues on a Saturday night in a historic scene that feels and looks like a set right out of a classic movie!
Blues Brunch at The Beehive in Boston
Love this monthly blues brunch hang. Lovely people, great food, in the historic Cyclorama building smack dab in the groovy South End of Boston.
Shinichi Otsu - keys
Super top secret gig on Cape Cod
Ok, ok, it's not that top secret.
You'll have to reach out by email if you'd like more info., though.
It's a Saturday evening - it's summer - it's Cape Cod - it's outside, rain or shine.
email:
Blues Brunch at the Beehive in Boston
Michelle and Shinichi Otsu (keys) start your Saturday off with some great food and groovy tunes. 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 423-0069
Tuesday tacos and tunes at Nick-a- Nees
Iconic Providence hotspot Nick-a-Nees on a Tuesday night. Marty Ballou hosts a rotation of musicians. Come for Jessie's tacos, stay for the great music. Cash only - dog friendly - great outdoor patio.
https://www.facebook.com/nickanees
Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Grooving in the Lounge
Have heard so many wonderful things about Sanctuary in Maynard. Delighted to be included their music schedule. Come on out for an intimate and delicious start to your Friday night adventures - in the Lounge, we'll be laying down some sweet sounds for you!
Blues Brunch at the Beehive in Boston
Michelle and Shinichi Otsu (keys) start your Saturday off with some great food and groovy tunes. 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 423-0069
Falmouth Jazz at Highfield Hall
Always a delightful afternoon under the tent at Highfield Hall and Gardens.
Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Grooving in the Lounge
Have heard so many wonderful things about Sanctuary in Maynard. Delighted to be included their music schedule. Come on out for an intimate and delicious start to your Friday night adventures - in the Lounge, we'll be laying down some sweet sounds for you!
Tribute to Mai Cramer
Peter Ward puts together an all-star tribute to the late Mai Cramer, a legendary radio host who hosted Blues After Hours on WGBH for several decades.
Blues Brunch at the Beehive in Boston
Michelle and Shinichi Otsu (keys) start your Saturday off with some great food and groovy tunes. 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 423-0069
Blues Brunch at the Beehive in Boston
Michelle and Shinichi Otsu (keys) start your Saturday off with some great food and groovy tunes. 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 423-0069
Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Grooving in the Lounge
Have heard so many wonderful things about Sanctuary in Maynard. Delighted to be included their music schedule. Come on out for an intimate and delicious start to your Friday night adventures - in the Lounge, we'll be laying down some sweet sounds for you!
Evil Gal at Club 321 in Mechanic's Hall
Get your jingle bells and mistletoe. Once again, Michelle and her evileers will be kicking the holiday season into high gear at Club 321. The last two years have been sold out. You'd better plan on coming and find out what you've been missing!
Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Grooving in the Lounge
Have heard so many wonderful things about Sanctuary in Maynard. Delighted to be included their music schedule. Come on out for an intimate and delicious start to your Friday night adventures - in the Lounge, we'll be laying down some sweet sounds for you!
Blues Brunch at the Beehive in Boston
Michelle and Shinichi Otsu (keys) start your Saturday off with some great food and groovy tunes. 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 423-0069
June 2013 issue "The Noise" online at http://thenoise-boston.com/
MICHELLE WILLSON
Sculler's Jazz Club, Boston, MA
5/2/13
Michelle Willson "Dinah Washington Tribute" Live @ Chan's 9/24/12