MICHAEL KAESHAMMER
Some guys have all the luck. That phrase certainly comes to mind when you consider Michael Kaeshammer. When they were handing out musical talent, they made a return visit to this cat. A piano-playing jazz prodigy as a teenager, he has matured into a singer and songwriter of real skill and creative imagination.
Thankfully, the Toronto-based Kaeshammer hasn’t taken his natural advantages for granted. He has toiled tirelessly on his craft, and this has paid off big time on Lovelight. The sixth album of his career and second for Alert, it represents his best work yet, and it is one with which Michael is thrilled. “This is the album that most sounds like me, playing, singing and songwriting wise. I am so happy with every single song,” he says. The bright and optimistic vibe of the record mirrors the current outlook on life of its creator. “Where I am in my life is totally reflected here. This one is all about love and being happy, and most of the songs have an upbeat feel. My last album [2007’s acclaimed and Juno Award-nominated Days Like These] was a little darker.”
“I don’t take myself too seriously,” he explains, Michael’s onstage charm has helped him become an in-demand entertainer across North America and Europe (he will soon tour China), and has won over the audiences of artists as musically varied as Holly Cole, Harry Manx, Colin James, and Anne Murray. Michael has shared cross-Canada tours with all of them, and he singles out a 40 date trek with Anne Murray as a real confidence boost. “
To Kaeshammer, “being onstage is about hanging out with people, having a conversation. I just love it. I don’t want my audience to all be jazz fans or piano fans. I want people who want to hang out with me. You can really open yourself up onstage, and that’s like a high for me.” A committed road warrior, he just can’t wait to get back out on tour to play the new songs of which he is so justifiably proud.
Michael Kaeshammer’s musical Lovelight is indeed burning bright. Feel the warmth!
www.michaelkaeshammer.com