MICHAEL LEE FIRKINS is a Blues Rock guitarist from Omaha, Nebraska. Michael has been releasing albums for 30 years. In 1990 Michael's self titled debut album won an Edison award in Holland for best Instrumental LP.
Michael's new release "Yep" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. Recorded all analog 24 track 2inch tape. It pays homage to the Classic Rock, Blues Rock, Southern Rock of yesteryear. From the first notes of Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell's B3 organ Licks in "Golden Oldie", you instantly get the feeling this is a classic sounding album. Gov't Mule drummer and Bassist Matt Abts and Andy Hess make this a record with a REAL groove very unlike the machine recordings of most bands. Add Michael's original sounding Southern Rock Guitar and Vocals and you've got a serious record! It's already getting great reviews in magazines all over the world.
Born to musician parents, his father was a lap steel guitarist and his mother a pianist, he started playing acoustic guitar at the young age of eight. Mostly self taught, he also took lessons at a local Omaha music store. Learning the songs of the times, Michael was heavily into Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and AC/DC.
By 1979 Michael was electrified, he soon played in local bands and in church from the age of 12 until 18. In 1985 Michael started touring the country in cover tune bands. Frustrated with cover tunes, he eventually went back to Omaha and began teaching guitar.For the next few years, Michael's musical influences were expanding. Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Albert Lee, and Danny Gatton were among the list of new favorites. As Michael continued to grow musically, he recorded a 5 song demo of instrumental guitar tunes that showcased his guitar playing. The 5 song demo was sent to Guitar Player Magazine talent scout Mike Varney who signed Firkins immediately. A release of his first album was soon to follow.
In 1990, Michael released his self titled debut album! This release showcased Michael's signature sound of rock blended with country, blues and jazz. With the strength of this album, Michael's first release sold more than 100,000 copies. This well received album also landed Michael the winner of the "BEST NEW TALENT" reader's poll in Guitar for the Practicing Musician and also runner up in Guitar Player Magazine's "BEST NEW TALENT" readers poll. He was also hailed as "ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PLAYERS OF THE NEXT TEN YEARS" by Guitar for the Practicing Musician. As Michael's music was also popular in Europe, Firkins won the Edison Award, which is Holland's version of a Grammy.
