Seventies Rock Pioneer Michael Stanley to Release New CD 'The Hang'

Much to the excitement of fans and music critics worldwide, music legend Michael Stanley will be releasing his 25th album 'The Hang' on March 2012 on ItsAboutMusic.com. From the mid '70s to the mid '80s, the Michael Stanley Band enjoyed a strong and fiercely loyal following, touring with some of the superstar bands of that period including Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Foreigner and The Doobie Brothers. With over 70 minutes of music, the latest CD from Michael Stanley features twelve new original compositions and covers of songs written by Dire Strait's Mark Knopfler and songwriter extraordinaire Patty Griffin. Once again the album was mixed by legendary Bill Szymczyk and features the talents of Michael's road band, The Resonators throughout.

 

“I think it would be fair to say that this is the 'darkest' album I've ever made as it was conceived during a particularly daunting eighteen month period in my life...but, that being said, I also think it's a testament of hope and to the power we accrue from those we chose to have at our side on our journey.”

Discovered by New York record producer, Bill Szymczyk, in 1973 Michael Stanley released his debut album 'Michael Stanley' (Tumbleweed Records), and second LP, 'Friends & Legends' (MCA) to critical acclaim. Both albums featured guest appearances by Todd Rundgren, Joe Walsh and David Sanborn. During this time he formed a trio with two area musicians, Daniel Pecchio and Jonah Koslen, who played Stanley's solo songs as well as new material live. In 1974, out of work, Michael's close friend, Joe Walsh (another Cleveland area musician) suggested he pursue music full time. It was a turning point for Stanley, who along with Pecchio and Koslen brought in drummer Tommy Dobeck and the The Michael Stanley Band was born!

There were several Top-20 and Top-30 hits in the early '80s, among them "He Can't Love You" (1980) and "My Town" (1983). In late 1982, MSB released their final album for EMI 'You Can't Fight Fashion'. The single from the album, "My Town", made it to number 29 on the Billboard charts. The band released two independent albums, 1983's 'Inside Moves', and 'Fourth And Ten' in 1984 (recorded live at Blossom Music Center), before formally disbanding in late 1986, shortly after performing 14 'farewell' concerts at Cleveland's Front Row.

Michael's 'post-MSB' years found him co-hosting WJW-Channel 8's 'Cleveland Tonight' and 'P.M. Magazine', until they were canceled. He also began his long stint as afternoon disc jockey and on-air personality at Cleveland's WNCX 98.5. After several well-received albums in the '90s, as well as a MSB reunion concert, Michael Stanley & The Resonators was formed, which became the band's performing moniker; once again pleasing their loyal MSB fans while winning over new ones, with a set list of old favorites and clever covers interspersed with fresh originals. The pace showed no sign of letting up as the 'The Ground', was released on October 21, 2003. Michael continues to man the airwaves as afternoon 'drive-time' personality at Cleveland's popular WNCX, while performing with "The Resonators" and "Midlife Chryslers" throughout Ohio.

In 2011, Michael Stanley and all The Resonators hit the ground running with their critically accliamed CD 'Shadowland'. And now in 2012, in a career that spans over forty-five years, Michael Stanley's 'The Hang' is a work that sets a new standard in the musical journey of one of rock's finest singer/songwriters!