“Lee Michaels”

I’m going deep into the collection again today for an album that was again, brought home by my brother Mike. Lee Michael’s self titled ‘69 release was his 3rd studio album. Although recorded in the studio, it is essentially live as all songs were record “live” with no overdubbing. Just Michaels on his Hammond B3 playing bass on the pedals with his feet, and piano on a couple of tracks. His drummer “Frosty” Smith (Bartholomew Eugene Smith-Frost) was the only other musician on the recording.

Side 1 is highlighted by a four song suite that flows seamlessly for 20 plus minutes. Michaels’ work on the B3 with Frosty’s consistent drumming creates incredible energy for just two musicians live on a sound stage. His vocals are also outstanding and he never quite got the recognition that he should have as a blues voice. The opening track “Tell Me How Do You Feel” grabbed me immediately. In concert Michaels was known to play extremely loud. This became one of my favorite records to listen with head phones, as I couldn’t turn it up in my bedroom as loud as I wanted.

Michaels was really something of a one-hit wonder with ‘71s “Do You Know What I Mean” which reached #6. I saw him in ‘73 at Winterland and sadly the show didn’t live up to my expectations. For whatever reason he had abandoned the B3 for an electric piano. There is very little live video of Michaels, but a search of YouTube brought this rare gem to the surface.