MICHAEL BEATTY
The Lights of Mystery
Featured album...
City Scrapes
“New York City singer-songwriter Michael Beatty is a throwback to the early ‘70s when artists like Elton John (with Bernie Taupin) and James Taylor broke through on the back of superior song craft rather than any inherent hipness. It’s a breath of fresh air to hear a songwriter so passionate about words and melody without encumbering themselves with contemporary restrictions and lowest common denominator aesthetics. Beatty’s a songwriter for grown-ups, and his words and music, in fact his whole demeanor, comes with a welcome maturity.
His instrument of choice is, of course, piano; and he’s ably supported by a band with shared experience playing with everyone from Aretha Franklin, Ashford & Simpson and Nina Simone, to Elton John, Carole King and Gavin DeGraw. These are top-notch musicians and they help give “City Scrapes” a sheen of Brill Building sophistication, happily without sacrificing Beatty’s sidewalk blues. The best songs here, “My Street”, “You and Me: Together” and “Night Show” take their places in a New York tradition that includes the work of Dion DiMucci and “Streetlife Serenade” period Billy Joel. If any of this seems vaguely appealing I can only suggest you give “City Scrapes” a spin.”
-Leicester Bangs Review
"Masterful songwriting; not just catchy -deep" -Performer Magazine
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"Another harmonius, ear-delicious blend of songs that speaks to the soul..." -NRS Spotlight
Selected Discography.
1. My Street
2. Slapback
3. The Bluest Eyes
4. You & Me: Together
5. City Scrapes
6. First Time
7. Rise
8. When You're Gone
9.Nightshow
10. 42nd Street Hymn
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Michael Beatty: Piano, Rhodes, percussion.
Sean Harkness: Acoustic, electric, bass guitars.
Boris Pelekh: Electric guitar, cello.
Jonathan Mover: Drums
Dave Schommer: Drums, percussion.
Valerie Ghent: Hammond B3
Tom Devaney: Electric guitar
Martine Allard: Background vocals
Nikki Van Cassele: Background vocals
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Produced by Ron Allaire & Michael Beatty
Executive Producer: Tim LeGallo for BWM
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Mastered by Chris Muth at Tawoola
Recorded & mixed in NYC at:
Skyline, Loho, & Campo Studios
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All music & lyrics by Michael Beatty
Released 2011 bluewingmusic / BMI
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1.First Time
2. When You're Gone (Live Acoustic Version)
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All music & lyrics by Michael Beatty
Released 2013 bluewingmusic / BMI
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1. Cold Heart
2.Shotgun
3. Something About Walking
4. Accidental Tourist
5. Appalachian Sunset
6. Ghostlight
7. Battle Scars
8. Lost Highway Home
9. The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood
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Michael Beatty: Vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards
Brad Young: Keyboards, programming, background vocals
Gary Backstrom: Acoustic and electric guitars, background vocals
Ed Jurdi: Acoustic and electric guitars, harmonica
Mike Rivard: Bass
Larry Finn: Drums
Anthony Grant: Horns
Dave Limina: Accordion
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Produced by Brad Young for Underground Productions
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Recorded, mixed, and mastered at:
Underground Studios, Needham MA.
Lyrics by Michael Beatty
Music by Michael Beatty & Brad Young
Released 2000 bluewingmusic / BMI
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1. The Night Traveler
2. Postcards Blue
3. The Second Trip
4.The Castle
5. This Train
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Michael Beatty: Vocals, piano, chamberlain, Hammond organ.
Gary Backstrom: Acoustic & electric guitars
Mike Rivard: Bass
Scott Mitchell: Drums, percussion
Martine Allard: Background vocals
Leslie Hosmer: Background vocals
Todd Perlmutter: Drums, percussion, inspiration
Alex Smoller: Bass
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Produced by Jon Lupfer
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Recorded at Q-Division, Boston MA.
Music & lyrics by Michael Beatty
Released 1996 bluewingmusic / BMI
Re-released 2009
What Is True?
1. But For Now
2. Before I Go
3. Into The Wind
4. Morgan the Pirate
5. What Is True?
6. Summer Rain
7. How Long?
8. The Phoenix
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Produced by Brad Young
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Recorded at Newbury Sound, Boston MA.
Music & lyrics by Michael Beatty
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