Born: January 26, 1962 Primary Instrument: Guitar
If asked to describe the talents of this lead guitarist, composer, songwriter, arranger and performer “Infinity” immediately comes to mind There just is no end to his fusion of style, freely expressing his thoughts and emotions through his music. His first album “In Ya Pocket” presents a mature free style jazz sound refined through a long and successful career. Starting from his roots in Dayton, Ohio to his latest successful outing as a member of the Commodores, Mikael’s solo album showcases the never ending timeline of a unique blend of jazz, rhythm and blues and a touch of reggae.
From 1995- 2005, Mikael was a force with the Commodores where his musicianship solidified the Commodore’s high energy live performances. Mikael's 10 year relationship with the Commodores began when his quickly rising talents and accomplishments had reached Walter “Clyde” Orange of the legendary Commodores. “Clyde” called upon Mikael's songwriting talents to write songs for the Commodores. Once “Clyde” realized the full extent of Mikael's talents he was invited to join the Commodores as lead guitarist. As a member of the Commodores, Mikael shared the live stage with the likes of Mya, Silk, Glenn Lewis, Gladys Knight and Isaac Hayes and the list goes on. He appeared on the Lou Rawls Telethon with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ashford & Simpson and Brian McKnight. On the international stage, in particular the Japan tour, it was Boyz II Men, Diana Ross and the Temptations.
Prior to joining the Commodores, Mikael had a fruitful association with Frank Cornelius of the Cornelius Brothers and sister Rose. Their jointly released single Fat Bottom Girls was a regular in the rotation on Black Entertainment Television (BET). Later, Mikael formed the male singing group, Shades of Gray with Mikael singing lead. The four men were quickly picked up to open for the likes of Peabo Bryson and R. Kelly. After his association with the Shades of Grey ended Mikael then added Reggae to his musical pantheon. Some of Mikael's Reggae tunes (Under his Tuff Gong label) received airplay in Jamaica from top Jamaican radio announcer Barry G.
Mikael was in South Florida in the mid-1980s where his single “It Must Be Nice” made it to the top 20 in the Miami market and was featured on the hit television show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”. Mikael’s musical roots began in Dayton, Ohio. While in Dayton, he received his formal musical training at Sinclair College (Dayton, Ohio) and continued to refine his education at Howard University (Washington D.C.). Always in good company, while in Dayton, Mikael studied and collaborated with Walter “Junie” Morrison, original keyboardist and lead vocalist for the Ohio Players. Having paid his dues as an artist, composer, songwriter, arranger and performer, Mikael's time has come to step into the spotlight. This is Mikael, a new musical force not to be ignored.
