Michael Stephenson

Michael Stephenson & Alexander Claffy – Outskirts of Town (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 43:22 minutes | 809 MB | Genre: Vocal Jazz, Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Cellar Live

“Our second record, “Outskirts of Town” was recorded in Vancouver, pretty far out of town for all of us. After a few weeks on the road we went in with fresh arrangements that I had written tailored to Mike’s voice; as I tried to with the first release. With the help of Sean Mason, Itay Morchi, Benny Benack, Cory Weeds and everyone else involved; I feel we really got to the emotion. Way out on the outskirts of town!”

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Michael Stephenson & Alexander Claffy – Michael Stephenson Meets Alexander Claffy with His Trio (2021)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 51:20 minutes | 918 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Cellar Live

This album chooses 20th century American music to send its message for a reason.

Twentieth century American popular music is one of the greatest artistic gifts ever given to the world – and barely anyone talks about it when discussing America. In contrast, Michael Stephenson and Alexander Claffy have made an album that leads with that message. It revels in it – and it does so at a critical moment. Right now, when we’re asking ourselves quite painfully, who are we, and who do we want to be as Americans, the music on this album matters because it reminds us of who we are. It helps answer: what do we have to give? And it dares us: can we give the best of ourselves – our hearts, our joy, our genius – to the world? Can we even recognize that part of ourselves?

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