Search - Michael Lee Firkins :: Chapter Eleven

Raef N. (Budgie) from GAITHERSBURG, MD
Reviewed on 2/20/2008...

After his terrific self-titled debut, Michael Lee Firkins released Chapter Eleven. After the first release, which was straight instrumental rock in the line of Satriani & Vai with a MLF twist, everyone expected the second one to be similar. MLF showed us with Chapter Eleven his true style; a blend of rock, funk, jazz and country. Excellent pieces from this guitar virtuoso who is a very underrated musician and composer.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Not simply a guitar hero.

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 12/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to agree with the guy who wrote his review starting with the phrase "I really do not understand why this man is so unknown." Michael's style is so beautiful! He is so deep rooted into the blues but he doesn't sound a cliché player. He is not absolutly!! His music may sound familiar to you beacause of the blues which is all around, but he can surprise you whenever he wants with unexpected turns and brilliant inventions. This guy has all you ever want to listen from a guitar player, believe me. He play a new blend of blues, rock, jazz, country, chicken picking but he does not sound artificial. His music is so natural!! More than everything he has immaculate taste and technique which he uses in the most clever way, to write songs and riffs that can shake your soul.
And what about his ballads? Touching, really. This album is, in my opinion, his best. But his debut was unbelievable too. And good news! This guy is nice! I had the pleasure to interview him on the phone for an italian rock magazine, and he was really really nice, open, funny, intelligent.
Music need this guy. Record company people support Michael a lot more!"

This guy rocks.

Jazzcat | 02/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After first hearing Firkins play Laughing Stacks (from his first album) on a Guitar Player Magazine soundpage (remember those?), I started buying everything this guy came out with. So far, this is my favorite Firkins CD. It has a variety of styles - Big Red is a rocking, Country-oriented tune, Hawaiian Gospel is like a beautiful ballad, rock and fusion oriented tunes in between. Man, can this guy play and the song-writing is excellent!"