Michael Riesenbeck
Michael is a musician that has, and shows, a lot of passion in his approach to music. His ability to visualize a tone, a melody, a guitar riff or an expression from his heart is certainly a testament of an accomplished musician!
Nacio Chavez (a.k.a. Shredder)
Michael started playing drums at school. After picking up a guitar he decided to continue playing both instruments. In 1987 he joined the Hard rock cover band "Fingers Crossed". After touring with this band for many years, Michael decided to leave in order to start writing and recording his own songs.
Michael's debut album "Shouting Silence" was initially released independently, but was quickly picked up by US label Perris Records, which gave the album a worldwide release. The album received raving reviews:
- StrutterAOR: A great high quality AOR album with catchy hooks and memorable choruses - 9 out of 10 points
- Rock Avenue: Classy Album - Special tip
- RockReport: Lots of catchy melodies and big choruses Munich's Hardest Hits: 9th best album of the year
- RockUnited: Definitely recommended to any melodic rock fan who likes the more progressive moments of Toto and the rocking moments of Journey and the a likes - 8 points
- Glory-Daze: Michael keeps the AOR flag flying high with 'Shouting Silence'. Very Good! - 80 out of 100 points
- Peitersen.com: 4 out of 5 points
- Metal Rules.com: If you are into this genre of music then you will not find a better release this year
- AOR Dreamzones: An excellent release and one of the best albums this year - 80 out of 100 points
- Melodicrock.com: Impressive, solid debut album worth checking out - 79 out of 100 points
- Sonny1968.de: 8.5 out of 10 points
- Get Ready to Rock: Worth the effort of tracking down - 4 of 5 stars
Michael's playing style has been described by critics as a mix between Steve Lukather (Toto), Neal Schon (Journey), John Sykes (Whitesnake) and Dann Huff (Giant). So very melodic, with a lot of feeling and passion, a great and diverse tone as well as technically skilled.
Besides being a solo artist and band member, Michael is also a very well respected session and studio guitarist, as well as being much in demand as producer, engineer and composer.
Some artists and bands Michael has worked with:
China Blue, Michael Bormann (Jaded Heart), Lec Zorn Project, Phil Vincent, Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, Dokken), Tony O'Hora (The Sweet), Tony Mills (TNT), Lars Safsund (Work of Art) and Rev Jones (Michael Schenker Group).
Selective Discography:
- Phil Vincent: Passion and Pain
- Viteffe: Tribute to Vitesse & Herman van Boeyen
- China Blue: Twilight of Destiny
- Art.461: The Evolution of Movement
- The Lec Zorn Project: It Began In The Underground
- Tragik: Poetic Justice
- Michael Riesenbeck: Shouting Silence
- Abbing/Batink: Dauw
- Phil Vincent: Circular Logic
- Fanfields: A Fans' Tribute To Toto
- Alibi: Natasja & Andere Stukken
Check out Michael's track 'Meant To Be' to hear ABG's gear in action!
Here is what Ken has to say on Michael's abilites and contribution to AcmeBarGig:
"ABG is very fortunate to have such a talented and giving person such as Michael with us as our Artist of the month. Not only does he play amazingly well but is very giving with his knowledge and techniques to younger players at our forums. Thanks for everything Michael ABG would not be the same without you."
You can read more at Michael’s official website at: www.michaelriesenbeck.com
I had a chance recently to interview Michael. Read what he had to say here: AOTM Interview with Michael Riesenbeck
Michael also wrote a detailed description on how he re-recorded his song “Meant to Be” as ABG Artist Of The Month song using ABG software, this document also contains information on how to get your hands on a FREE copy of Michael's latest CD:
Michael's Report on recording 'Meant To Be'