About Michael McCabe Guitarist

"Michael plays with passion that is so consistently missing from music these days. Listen to his writing. Listen to his guitar playing. You'll have a tough time finding one better". Kevin Welch Music Director KINK Radio 102fm, Portland, Oregon.

Michael's styles are classical, Spanish, flamenco, Celtic, jazz, gypsy jazz, bossa, folk, rock, country, and Latin.

In 1979 Michael opened for Herbie Hancock in Phoenix, AZ. The concert went great even though Herbie's equipment really screwed up but did party with the band afterwards. Michael also opened for Tom Scott in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ. and, much later for Scott Cossu in Portland, Oregon.

In late 1987 Michael moved his family to Vancouver, Washington, to pursue his music career by strong and loving suggestion from his wife, Jackie. In 1988 he released his first record titled, "Pretend Dreams:Meeting" with producer David Chu. He began teaching at a local music store and at his home studio. In 1991, he released, "Windows" and, "Letters to a Friend" and started getting airplay from the area radio stations and in particular, KINK radio in Portland, Oregon. In November, 1996 Michael received a CMAA Golden Eagle Award for "Songwriter Of The Year" for the song "Lights of the Big 'Ol City' " with co-writer Kenyon Mathews. In 2000, Michael released his fourth CD, "Beyond Words". KINK radio chose six tracks from "Beyond Words" for their airplay. KINK radio release every two years a compilation disc with a selected group of songs from one of their very popular shows called "Lights Out". Michael's song "Lullaby for Jacqueline" from his CD "Letters to a Friend" is featured on "Lights Out 9" and the song "Rendezvous" from his CD "Beyond Words" is featured on "Lights Out 10". All proceeds go to the Oregon Food Bank. You can hear samples of all the songs at www.cdbaby.com and at www.OutoftheBlueRecords.com. Michael composes for commercial purposes and uses his own recording studio as well as others for his projects.

February 14th 2004 "Amor" was released. A complete production by Michael. "Amor" is a wonderful collection of 13 Latin love songs arranged for solo guitar. Michael just released his first Christmas CD called "Acoustic Christmas". An array of styles and moods to capture the holiday spirit. Michael is recording original compositions for his latest release, "Together As One". "Together As One" is a collection of 15 special songs written and performed at weddings he has performed at. Each song is specially written and titled with a combination of the bride and grooms first names. "Together As One" should be released 200?. Michael's music is used in satellite radio, documentaries, retail stores, radio and TV commercials, on hold messages, massage and medical practitioners (Dentists, Chiropractors, etc.) commercial and public radio. Also, "Come Back to Sorrento" from the "Amor" CD was placed in the sitcom called "Alice, I Think" airing in Canada. Michael's music is used in Britain, Europe and Japan as well as other parts of the world. His music can be found at itunes, rhapsody, emusic and other top download sites. Michael's site musicforte.com has all of his music. Michael did benefits for, e.g. The Inter-Faith Treasure House, The Johnny Streeter Foundation, volunteering his music at local hospitals and more.

Michael released his first Christmas CD titled: "Acoustic Christmas" November 2006.

From www.Christmasreviews.com:
Summary: Exquisite acoustic guitar arrangements.
I'm having a lot of fun listening to Michael McCabe's Acoustic Christmas. Truth in labeling, Acoustic Christmas is exactly what it purports to be, a lot of well-known Christmas songs, played in an acoustic, new age, sometimes almost flamenco-flavored style. The arrangements are buoyant and original, with lots of little flourishes and flashy riffs. McCabe is an excellent player, and a talented arranger.

It's fourteen tracks make it ample by today's standards, and each one features an arrangement listeners will not have heard before. McCabe uses a variety of styles to make his musical point, ranging from classical/new age/contemporary fingerstyle to jazz, rock and swing. The CD features solo guitar pieces to full band arrangements. There is just a lot going on here, and all of it good stuff.

I'm a little short on words this year, but despite my newly-acquired brevity, this early addition to the 2008 season rates high on my list.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2008)

"Acoustic Christmas" is Michael's sixth release! For many years Michael's fans have begged him for a Christmas CD to no avail. In particular, Michael's good friend Doug Smith, a Grammy winning guitar player and National Fingerstyle Champion 2006, insisted that he had to do a holiday record. Given the time constraints of family and business, Michael felt he just couldn't bring himself to invest three months on a project that might only get used one month out of a year. This past August, though, a large business commissioned Michael to produce a holiday CD to be presented to their employees and clients. Not only was Michael able create a Christmas CD for this company he was also able to release this work on his own label Out of the Blue Records. With the help of graphic artist/designer Nurmi Husa this long-awaited CD has finally arrived! Just recently: The American Greetings Corporation will be using my arrangement of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas(War is Over)" for a John Lennon Christmas orniment for the 2008 Christmas season. Look for it.

"Joy to the World" and "O, Come All Ye Faithful" are light and fun. Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" calls to mind a cup of holiday java next to the warm embers of a evening fireplace. With "Silent Night", you can sing along with Michael's crisp guitar stylings layered into a lush orchestral accompaniment. Delight in the simple elegance of the solo acoustic guitar on "We Three Kings", "What Child is This", "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella" and "O Holy Night". Lose yourself in the full instrumental arrangement of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)". For those who crave a little more excitement, tap your foot to "Winter Wonderland" or actually get up and dance to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Michael currently teaches guitar and bass at his home studio in Vancouver, WA. and operates his label, "Out of the Blue Records" and performs concerts. Michael is a member of ASCAP and a voting member of The Recording Academy.

Michael has a true passion in his music writing, recording, performance, teaching and his family devotion. Michael does all his own management and booking at his home studio in Vancouver, Washington.

Band Members