New Release Spotlight

by Jaime Ingle

MICHAEL BEATTY:

City Scrapes

If the streets of Manhattan are still a melting pot, then Michael Beatty has created yet another harmonious, ear-delicious blend of songs that speaks to the soul with his soon to be released album, City Scrapes.

Several years in the making, the album features the singer/songwriter vibe of the 1960s and 1970s, while “remaining organic without being overproduced,” explains Michael, who has made the Big Apple his home for the past decade. The streets of Hell’s Kitchen, Times Square and Alphabet City, among others, provided the inspiration for songs such as “When You’re Gone” and the title track “City Scrapes.

“It doesn’t have any pretension, it is what it is...a guy with some stories to tell, his piano, and the musicians that surround him. We wanted to keep it as in the moment as possible,” said Michael, who accompanies himself on grand piano. What results is a very open hearted and spirited album about making your way in the city of cities. Produced by Michael and Ron Allaire for bluewingmusic, Michael created some songs in minutes, others took several years. Most were recorded in the wee hours of the morning with a tight-knit group of artists including Sean Harkness, Jonathan Mover (Aretha Franklin, Elton John) Dave Schommer (Carole King, Gavin DeGraw) Valerie Ghent (Debbie Harry, Ashford & Simpson) Nikki Van Cassele and Martine Allard. 

The stories come from Michael’s own experience and people he’s met, while forging a career as a recording artist and performer in New York City. “You could talk to 50 different people on the subway, and they would all have 50 different stories and be going to 50 different places. That’s what makes (New York) such a unique place.” Why the name City Scrapes? The name is a play on the word cityscape, the iconic image of Manhattan and the bumps and bruises creative artists, business people and others alike sustain while living and working in America’s largest city. Despite a few creative bumps and bruises of his own, Michael says the city always inspires him  “The city has always picked me up, given me the energy to carry on.” And City Scrapes is sure to do the same for all who listen. 

City Scrapes to be released Fall 2010

http://www.youtube.com/michaelbeattymusic

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Recorded in 1994-95 at Boston’s Q-Division Studios, The Night Traveler EP was produced by Jon Lupfer and featured some great Boston based musicians and creative types...

Mikey B: Piano, chamberlain, Hammond organ, percussion, etc.

Gary Backstrom: Guitars

Mike Rivard: Bass

Scott Mitchell: Drums, percussion

Martine Allard: Background vocals

Leslie Hosmer: Background vocals

And also featuring...

Todd Perlmutter: Drums, percussion, inspiration

Alex Smoller: Bass

I have many good memories surrounding the creation of The Night Traveler. Here’s a favorable review from Performing Songwriter magazine...

“A self confessed “anti folk” folk pop singer” -yup- that’s what the bio says. Wonderful melodies, flowing piano and acoustic guitar, couple drums, two tree bass lines. Masterful songwriting: not just catchy -deep. He writes ‘em the way he hears ‘em and throws all caution to the wind.

Michael looks great and the composite CD insert is pro (gee...do I sound like a fan?). Ya and his voice is smooth and dead on pitch. The creative dissonance of “The Second Trip” tweaked my auditory nerves into an unexpected zone but my faves are the opener ”The Night Traveler” and cut number two “Postcards Blue” (I especially loved the melody on that second one).

At the bottom of the liner notes (?) it says “Paint what you like... and fuck ‘em” - it’s a quote from Joni Mitchell. Yes. 

Produced, engineered, and mixed by Jon Lupfer. Recorded at Q Division. Mastered by Henk Kooistra at Sound Mirror, JP, MA.