Contact: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, 213-924-4901 or Michael John, 805-306-5971

E-Mail: michaeljohn1@roadrunner.com
Web: www.michaeljohnandthe
bottomline.com

The Players: Michael John, lead vocals, rhythm guitar & harmonica; Howard “Preacher” Ward, lead & slide guitar, rhythm guitar, backup vocals; Kirk Nelson, keyboards, backup vocals; Eddie Z., alto & tenor sax, backup vocals; Chuck Lee, bass; Tom “T-Bone” Broderick, drums, backup vocals.

Material: From the get-go, it’s blues straight with no chaser. With a huge set-list consisting of both originals and covers, Michael John & The Bottom Line offer something for everyone –– from the newcomer to the most discerning blues fan. They obviously have enough material to keep the party going all night long. And, this six-piece unit provides lots of room for all of the members to stretch out and really spread their wings.

Musicianship: Michael John has a smooth harmonica and an even smoother voice, while Ward’s guitar solos are wickedly hot and deeply emotional. In fact, it’s clear that all six members of Michael John & The Bottom Line are completely at home with their instruments. Nelson’s piano and Z’s sax solos make for a nice variety, and they are well executed to boot.

Performance: The stage at Cozy’s barely held the six players in this band, but not even the roof could hold down their sound. From the first song, all of the players exuded heart, soul and skill. By the end of the first set, the audience was dancing in the aisles. Unfortunately, the sax level was a bit low during part of the first set, but this was soon rectified at the steady behest of the audience.

Summary: It’s not easy havin’ the blues, but with Michael John & The Bottom Line as your soundtrack, it’s a whole lot nicer. This band does an amazing job capturing the true essence of the blues. Every song they play, whether it’s a cover or an original, is their own. This act really knows how to show an audience a good time.

––Dale Hill