Michael Powers and The Powder Keg - Power Stomp (1998)

Two-time Blues Music Award / Handy nominee Michael Powers is without a doubt a true master of the blues. His mother Doris had noticed that Michael walked around with a broom pretending it was a guitar every time the Rock It Hour would be on television. Doris bought him a guitar by cashing in a book of saving stamps. Doris was convinced that her son had a special talent and imposed a strict musical routine. Every day, Michael had to listen to records and play along with them. Doris' words “Michael turn the record over” still echo in his ears. It would prove to be a strong influence as Doris' favorites included Muddy Waters, Lightnin Hopkins, Jimmy Reed, Billie Holiday, and John Lee Hooker. After seeing Jimmy Reed play weekly sets at Max’s at the tender age of 12, Michael went on to start his own band in high school. Michael then joined the Adlibs, with whom he recorded the cult hit “Boy from NYC”. They toured and opened for numerous Top-10 bands, including the Everly Brothers, Kool and the Gang, The Boxtops, and Ritchie Havens. Two weeks before graduating, Michael became James Cotton’s guitarist. He then founded The Moonbeams, which for 13 years opened for acts like The Ronnettes, James Brown, and Bo Diddley. Michael went on to perform with icons like Chuck Berry, Johnny Winters, Robert Cray, and John Lee Hooker, and has now embarked on a solo career to critical success. Michael’s Blues Music Award / Handy nominations are: q 2005- Best New Artist q 2005- Best Contemporary Blues Album Michael is putting the finishing touches to his new release, “Prodigal Son”, scheduled to be released in October 2006. It includes a mix of originals and some very creative covers that are sure to make it a strong ...