Michael Ward | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Michael Ward |
| Born | 21 February 1967 Minneapolis[1] |
| Genres | Rock, Alternative Rock, Gypsy Punk, Blues, Country, Folk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Producer, Songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Capitol Interscope |
Michael Ward is an American guitarist from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Biography
Michael was a founding member of the early 1990s alternative rock band School of Fish on Capitol Records, his unique tone provided the underpinning hook for the Band’s hit single "3 Strange Days" which has been covered by several artists, most recently by Dave Navarro (Janes Addiction) and Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe) in a live performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.
Michael's innovative approach to the guitar has captured the attention of several producers such as Matt Wallace (Faith No More, Maroon 5, Deftones, R.E.M) and Mark Endert (Madonna, Train, Miley Cyrus) leading to over 50 studio album recordings throughout his 35-year career.
With Matt Wallace, Michael recorded the John Hiatt album Perfectly Good Guitar, including the hit title track. Along with Mark Endert, he recorded the Gavin DeGraw album Chariot, which featured the smash hit "I Don’t Wanna Be."
In 1995 Michael was approached by Jakob Dylan to join the Wallflowers and record the album Bringing Down the Horse, selling over 5 million copies and earning Michael a Grammy Award for "One Headlight" in the category of Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with vocal.
Following the Wallflowers, Michael joined Ben Harper as one of the Innocent Criminals, contributing to Both Sides of The Gun, Lifeline, Call It What It Is, along with Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama, where he earned an NAACP Image Award for There Will Be A Light.
Michael has played in over 50 countries worldwide. When not touring he resides in Los Angeles, CA, playing as a studio session musician and guitar instructor.
Discography
| Year | Album details | Band | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | School of Fish
|
School of Fish | |
| 1993 | Human Cannonball
|
||
| 1993 | Perfectly Good Guitar
|
John Hiatt | |
| 1994 | Hiatt Comes Alive at Budokan?
|
||
| 1996 | Bringing Down the Horse
|
The Wallflowers | 4× Platinum[2] |
| 2000 | (Breach)
|
US: Gold[2] | |
| 2006 | Both Sides of the Gun
|
Ben Harper | |
| 2007 | Lifeline
|
||
| 2013 | The Blessed Unrest
|
Sara Bareilles | |
| 2016 | Call It What It Is
|
Ben Harper | Co-producer |
References
- ↑ "Michael Ward Allmusic". Allmusic.com. Retrieved December 24, 2011.
- 1 2 "RIAA – Gold & Platinum – July 26, 2010: Wallflowers certified albums". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2010.