Micheal Quinn and the Bourbon Kings join carnival’s cultural potpourri |25 February 2012
Seychelles Tourism Board chief executive Alain St Ange said that country & western music will be a new addition to the melting pot of cultures carnival.
“We want diversity and we want the world to meet in Seychelles for the carnival of carnivals. The 2012 carnival is achieving this mission,” Mr St Ange said.
From the USA, it is said that it is years of drumming for bands such as the Whiskey Sournotes, the Regulars, and Speedway that can make a great singer-songwriter of a man. Quinn follows in the footsteps of many other great drummers turned singer-songwriters – Dave Grohl, Don Henley, and more recently, Pete Yorn. Never mind the drumming, though. For those of you yet unacquainted with Quinn, you’ll soon discover that it’s all about the songs.
Quinn first recognised his lifepath as a musician when he was four years old. His grandmother took him to the Grand Ole Opry to see Johnny Cash and from that moment on, music was his life.
He moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA in 1986 to start drumming with his first band, Thought Factory. He has continued to drum for over 50 bands, all the while learning guitar and studying the craft of songwriting. He earned a music degree from McNally-Smith College of Music in Minneapolis in 1992 and went on to travel all over the United States, Europe, Egypt and Asia as a musician.
It wasn’t until just before the turn of the century that he finally decided it was time to perform his own songs. Now, after 10 years and hundreds of gigs including opening for Spider John Koerner, The Blasters, Sleepy LaBeef, Gene Nelson and touring the US, Europe, Egypt, Macau, Thailand and currently China, Quinn has released his follow-up recording to 2004’s critically acclaimed sushi, sex, music (produced by Bernie Larsen of Lucinda Williams and Melissa Etheridge). ‘Whiskey Rebellion’ is a diverse musical testament to Quinn’s road tested sound. From the Hawaiian flavoured “Road to Hana” featuring Andy Dee on steel guitars (Molly and the Heymakers, Soul Asylum, Proclaimers) to the in-your-face garage rocker, “Sunday Dress” featuring Mike Leonard on guitar (Magnolias), Whiskey Rebellion has more flavour than grandma's homemade fried chicken!
It is Quinn’s honesty and humour that ring true in his songs. From soulful singing and frank lyrics, to timeless song structures, Quinn’s live shows are an all-out good time. Whether he performs solo or with his band, he is engaging, giving his all for every note of every song and always has the audience on their feet! Michael cares about his music and wants people to have a great time; the fans know it and Seychelles will soon see for itself.