The Skinny
Because my wife is from Charlottesville and the city has become my home away from hometown, I find myself up there on a regular basis. From time to time, though, I am struck by the reality that I am just not up there often enough, particularly when I discover an amazing new local musical talent. Such was the case when I stumbled upon Michael Coleman. This Charlottesville singer/songwriter – also the drummer for local outfit The Hill & Wood – is silky smooth; he writes emotive, catchy tunes, has a feathery touch on his acoustic guitar, and sings with a richness that belies his youth. Coleman recently celebrated the release of his debut record, Precious Time, with a packed house at The Southern Café & Music Hall, no small indication that the word will soon be spreading about this Charlottesville crooner.
For Fans Of
Jack Johnson, John Legend, Dave Matthews
Outside Looking In
“Michael is both a wonderful musician and person and we are happy to have had him in our studio. You never know what you are going to get when a drummer steps out from behind the kit, but Michael’s solo album proves that he can do a lot more than just hold down the rhythm.”
– Ian Solla-Yates, WNRN Promotions Director
On Stage
You can catch Michael and his band this Friday, July 19th, in Charlottesville at the Intelos Pavilion opening up the weekly Fridays After Five. Next week, Michael will be performing in Virginia Beach (July 26th) and Bristow (July 27th) with Boyd Tinsley, of Dave Matthews Band, after Boyd wraps up his shows at the pavilions there.
In His Own Words
“I’m not the type of songwriter that has that one spot on the river to write, that one corner or room in the house to retreat to. Many of what I think are my best tunes were created randomly: driving to work, in the shower, eating dinner. You can draw inspiration from anything and I think most of my songs, especially the ones on my record, Precious Time, were written in an hour or less. I am a firm believer in letting the lyrics and melody flow in the moment.”
– Michael Coleman, on songwriting
On The Web
Be sure to take a listen to “Fly Away,” off of Precious Time, on this month’s Trail Mix. For more information on Michael, upcoming shows, and his new record, check out www.facebook.com/michaelcolemanmusic.
