By: Tobin Bennison
Article Category: Local Amp
The Stephan Michael Connection
The Stephan Michael Connection combine the sounds of soul and funk with the lyrics of familiar classics — sweet soul music and funky dance tunes from Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, and Sam and Dave to the soulful rock n’ roll of Van Morrison, J. Geils, Bill Withers, and Billy Preston. They wanted to call themselves the Cluster Funks but thought their mothers might object.
Growing up in the Detroit area, it’s easy to see how vocalist and harmonica player Stephan Michael keeps being pulled back to his roots of ’70s soul and funk, and the whole Motown, Stax, and Hi Records style is where he’s most at home. Dubbed “The Voice” in many music publications, he’s been placed in the ranks with greats such as Dio (for his power) and Jack Bruce (for his soul). Drummer George Wilson relocated to Central Florida from Connecticut, where he gained extensive playing experience from rock to jazz, and he’s one of the most power groove-oriented drummers you’re likely to witness. Locally, George has played with Killer Dudes, The Groove Monsters, One of a Kind Ron Jon Band, Rory Pastorius, Don’t Quit your Day Job, and Michael Leasure. If that weren’t enough, George works by day at 89.5, WFIT radio as an Underwriting Executive.
Guitarist Johnnie Cable brings a multitude of experience to the band, having performed with and opened for acts as diverse as Bo Diddley, Charlie Daniels, Billy Preston, Lee Greenwood, Eddie Rabbit, The Grass Roots, and the Coasters before returning to his home on the Space Coast. Johnnie delivers the top level of musicianship that The Stephan Michael Connection is known for. Originally from Hollywood, California, Caesar D. grew up playing sax on funk and soul music as well as all styles of music. A seasoned studio musician, Caesar spent most of his musical career in the L.A. area. Keyboardist Jay Yerkes has been playing keyboards in working bands for almost 40 years, and has appeared played with or opened for such names as Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys, The Rascals, Gary US Bonds, and Johnny Thunder. Together, the Stephan Michael Connection make one helluva noise — don’t miss them live.
The Stephan Michael Connection plays Lou’s Blues (3191 N. A1A in Indialantic; 779-2299) on Friday, February 12. Visit the Connection online at www.stephanmichaelconnection.com.
