Michael Ward is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and studio owner living and working in the San Francisco Bay area since 1974. He has fronted many bands in that time which have been built around his unique singing, composition and lyrical approach. The music blends elements of R&B, country and world music into an insistently rhythmic stew with a distinctive narrative voice. At various times his working group has featured members of touring bands such as Frank Zappa, Ambrosia, Etta James, George Clinton, Bruce Hornsby and Steve Miller.

Michael's production credits include projects with, the BaAka pygmies from the Ituri Forest of Africa on their first trip to America recording compositions to be syncronized with a performance by the Lines Ballett, Pharaoh Sanders, Zakir Hussein, The Sacred Text Ensemble and Overtone Theater, rock bands The Potato Eaters and The Earthlings and composers Beth Custer, Joshua Brody and O'Lan Jones as well as producing and arranging all of his own tracks.

The breadth of Michael's artistic range can be seen in his work as sound designer and audio producer for four seasons with the widely acclaimed Alonzo King's Lines Ballet. He has also been the owner of the renowned Hyde Street Studios since 1980.

"Late for the Train", Michael's most recent CD, represents a cross section of his current work. Utilizing his access to, and experience in the studio, he has lovingly, some might say obsessively, crafted each track to support it's lyrical through line. Combining the swampy and imaginative rhythmic lsock he has developed over the years with a stellar lineup of West Coast musicians, many of whom have played the material live, he has produced a lively and adventuresome record with a comfortable groove. The songs and their settings reward repeated listening with their reich arrangements and detailed songcraft, aspiring to territory pioneered by studio masters such as Elvis Costello, Steely Dan and XTC.

For bookings and further information please contact Jeff Cleland at 415-441-8934.