Last week a friend mentioned that a band from New Orleans was passing through Atlanta, and that I should check them out because they are a must see. Their name, MyNameIsJohnMichael, sounded a little familiar but when I listened to their album, I didn’t recognize the music. Apparently the band came to fruition based on a dare. In 2008, John Michael, was bound to create one song per week and post the results on his website…the end result was 52 new tracks in a year and a six-piece band (consisting predominantly of Loyola students).
As far as the concert goes, the band was great and I was rather 
impressed. On the way to the show, I was listening to their album (which was built on fan choices), and while I could certainly sense their talent, I had a sneaking suspicion that a stage, opposed to a studio is their sweet-spot . During the first song of the night, in the empty Earl, I decided that MyNameIsJohnMichael can only be fully appreciated in a live setting because recordings don’t due them justice (Like fellow NO natives, MuteMath). Plus, it’s rather impressive to watch the musically inclined band members switch off and on with various instruments.
I honestly don’t know enough about MyNameIsJohnMichael to rattle off song specific feedback, but from a newcomer’s prospective, I can say I prefer the percussion heavy, slower side of the band. I also adore the fact that they incorporate a New Orleans, street feel into their tunes…whether it be a song featuring the sound of a tin garbage-can being hit with a chain or a track featuring the trumpet accompanied by some tambourine and keys.
Oh, and I must mention, Larry. You know you are in the presence of infectious live music when an older gentleman wielding an umbrella cannot help but wiggle around the dance floor, shoulder shrugging and jazz stepping, without a care in the world!
Take A Listen: The One from MyNameIsJohnMichael
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Download: The One (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)
I recommend checking out their live performance of “The One” (not taken at this show).
