Songs that make you feel good (and think at the same time). Piano-driven pop (with touches of jazz and folk) by velvety voiced singer-songwriter Michael Patrick Phelan. No angst or preachiness here.

6 MP3 Songs
POP: Piano, FOLK: Folk Pop



Details:
If you like your music with a pensive after-taste, you'll love Mikeâs savory sound. Michael Patrick Phelan's mellow and soulful songwriting style pays tribute to the heyday of the 1970's singer-songwriter boom while firmly establishing him as a unique artist in todayâs adult-alternative scene. He's got a voice that's equal parts Harry Connick Jr. and James Taylor and piano skills that marry the styles of Bruce Hornsby, Sarah McLaughlin, with sprinklings of Diana Krall. His songs, while written from a personal perspective, touch on universal themes: love, loneliness, growing up, family, and the many ups and downs of living day to day. Many listeners often comment that while they had never met Michael prior to seeing him perform, they felt as though he had written the songs specifically for them.
âWhen I first entered I thought I was hearing a recording of some new jazz vocalistâthe next male version of Diana Krall or Jane Monheit. But there was Phelan, in the back corner of the bar, playing with feeling and a remarkably welcome, restrained touch,â wrote Sarah D'Esti-Miller, arts critic for Binghamton, New York's Press and Sun Bulletin upon hearing Michael Patrick Phelan at a local establishment.
Born and raised in Brockville, Ontario, Canada on the shores of his beloved St. Lawrence River, he began playing the piano at 5 years old. He studied classical piano through Canadaâs Royal Conservatory of Music system and eventually achieved his grade 10 certificate. An avid singer as well, his vocal training ranged from school choirs and theatrical productions to studies and performances with renowned opera singers. A graduate of the prestigious bachelor of fine arts acting program at the University of Windsor (Canada), in May 2005, Michael has been involved in many aspects of the performing arts.
Making the move to Binghamton, New York post-College (heâs a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S.A.), he made the risky decision to put his acting career on hold and focus on what had been a side gig for many years: his music. It paid off. Michael has enchanted thousands now with his popular originals and his warm, soulful renditions of classic songs.
In December of 2006 Michael embarked on a new phase of his music career: writing, arranging, performing and producing an EP of original material with the help of seasoned record producer, Kenny Belanger, through his studio, Bear Swamp Records. In addition to Michael (vocals/keyboards) and Kenny (guitar/bass), local musicians Doug Laura (drums/percussion) and Sara Wolfe (cello), lent their talents to the recording. The echoes of Michael Patrick Phelanâs musical influences and inspirations can be heard in his writing from, Mozart to Gershwin to Randy Newman to Damien Rice. Michael was selected to showcase at the 2007 Millennium Music Conference (www.MMC11.com) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The event features a diverse roster of artists from all over the world. In addition, Michaelâs song, âIn the Meantime Blues,â was featured on the MMC11 2007 compilation album.
Michael Patrick Phelan performs regularly at many venues across the northeast. For more on his performing schedule, please click on the link to his website.