This 2007 reissue comes completely remastered and adds two unreleased bonus songs which were recorded during the original sessions and the first fruit of a reunion...
Release Date: 08-06-2007
Genre: Melodic Rock
Michael Thompson is nowadays one of the leading guitar players of the world. He has played virtually with everyone and his credits include: Michael Bolton, Great White, Cher, Shania Twain, Leann Rimes, Jennifer Lopez, Richard Marx, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Madonna and several others.
Originally from New York, Michael moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to begin a studio musician career. His first job was a tour with Joe Cocker. Following some initial difficulties, he landed a year-long world tour with Cher, which was his biggest break yet. After that, Michael recorded the album "Fine Fine Line" with Andy Fraser (formerly of Free) for Island Records. By then, Michael had been honing his craft playing on many songwriters publishing demos and doing any sessions that were offered. Among those gigs, Michael did the popular T.V. show Fame, in which he played on for four years, and Miami Vice for its last season.
In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang for several years, he finally got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (M.T.B.) monicker.
The singer for this group was Rick 'Moon' Calhoun, previously front man for the AOR cult band The Strand, Michael's long time friend. Completing the line-up were another bunch of highly respected studio professionals such as: John Andrew Schreiner (on keyboards), Leon Gaer (bass), John Keane (drums).
On "How Long" more great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, Pat Torpey (of Mr Big), bassist Jimmy Haslip, ex Kansas vocalist John Elefante, Toto's Bobby Kimball and Great White associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR luminaries such as: Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Bill Trudell and Brett Walker.
As of today "How Long" is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting. During the years it became more and more of a collector's item and the prices paid on E-bay exceeded 80 dollars!
This 2007 reissue comes completely remastered and adds two unreleased bonus songs which were recorded during the original sessions and the first fruit of a reunion between Michael, Moon Calhoun and songwriter Jeff Paris entitled "Wheelchair": an appetizer for an upcoming brand new album to be expected sometime in 2008 !
