motu
Rocky Point, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1969 | INDIE
Music
Press
Written by Robert Silverstein (Editor of 20th Century Guitar Magazine & Music Web 3000)
Long Island’s great blues-rock band, MOTU delivers another winner with their new long player called Blues For The Beach. Featuring the same band that played on the 2019 MOTU album, Suitcase Full Of Sorrow And Another Filled With Dreams, the 2020 Blues For The Beach album features Dr. Richard Michelson (a/k/a MOTU on electric guitars, pedal steel, slide and wah-wah guitars, vocals and mandolin) backed up by a stellar sounding group of musicians including Dee Michelson (vocals), Bob Rush (piano, harmonica), Mark Loebl (bass), Ed Modzel (drums), topped off the electric lead guitar work of Rich Fry. Listening to these two latest MOTU albums makes for a very contrasting moment in that the Suitcase album was somewhat more rock and country / pop driven while Blues For The Beach is more rootsy and bluesy, and even features a rock style instrumental track called “Variations In 1, 4, 5” - a track that features a beautiful, late 1960s Arlo Guthrie / Pete Seeger type guitar-driven melody, balanced out by some searing electric, acoustic and pedal steel guitar work performed by MOTU himself. Regarding its diversity of blues, rock and country sounds, Blues For The Beach is just as authentic and convincing as Suitcase Full Of Sorrow And Another Filled With Dreams and, likewise the new album is equally well recorded. As you listen, you can just feel that these musicians enjoy playing and recording with each other. Among the many song highlights, “No Safe Solution” sounds like vintage Canned Heat, with blistering guitar work from by MOTU and Rich Fry. On that same track, with MOTU and Dee sharing the vocals, the band really shines. With the Long Island Sound captured on the cover art and in the grooves of these tracks, MOTU gets back to its blues-rock roots in style on Blues For The Beach. - Roots Music Report Magazine
March 1, 2020: The 2020 Best of Long Island results have just been announced and Long Islander's Voted MOTU as the 2020 BEST OF LONG ISLAND’s BEST Non-Cover Band. There were over a record One Million Voters this year and the competition was fierce so join us in congratulating MOTU on this huge win!
Also, MOTU's next 20th Album to be released in the very near future. That album will be all new MOTU Non-Cover Originals. So stay tuned to MOTU for more information by visiting MOTU on facebook @
https://www.facebook.com/MOTURecords/ - Annual Best of Long Island Competition
Feb 24, 2020: The ISC (International Songwriting Competition) has just announced the list of 2019 Semi-Finalist Winners and Dr Richard Michelson (motu) is a Semi-Finalist Winner in the Blues Category for his original composition titled “JUST A FOOLS GAME”. This song is on his 2019 album release titled, “SUITCASE FULL OF SORROW AND ANOTHER FILLED WITH DREAMS” available at https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/motu10 , https://www.amazon.com/Suitcase-Sorrow-Another-Filled-Dreams/dp/B07NVXXG86/ , and other fine music stores world-wide. The Finalists in the ISC will be announced in a few weeks. The complete list of Semi-Finalists is @ https://songwritingcompetition.com/semifinalists The list is alphabetical by first name, or title, so Dr Richard Michelson (motu) is under “D”. - ISC
Here are some published RAVE Reviews about MOTU:
"The constant toothy presence of MOTUs electric guitar is a tightrope walk across a pit of hungry gators in the tradition of blues greats like John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy! "
-The Deli Magazine; Music Recipes from the Big Apple
----
"It doesnt get any better than this! This is INDIE electric JAM-BAND music at its best!"
- The NYC Underground Muse Magazine.
----
"Such passionate, and impressive, music says volumes about the talent possessed by MOTU."
-Neufutur Magazine
----
Dr Richard (motu) is a fabulous slide guitarist...the best part of an Oreo cookie...even without milk.
-GoodTimes Magazine
----
"The new one from MOTU is chock full of rockin' good blues. Pop it in the CD player and crank it up! "
- Jerry Schaefer, host of Graveyard Blues on Long Island, NY's ONLY Classic Rock Station 103.9 WRCN FM.
----
This is a feel good and have a drink type of music. Thank you MOTU!
-Skope Magazine
----
This is the real deal: unfiltered, honest music that could easily resonate with anyone whos experienced a rough road. MOTUs tough, yet vulnerably aching sound is the stuff great American tales are made of Elmore Magazine
----
Its the magnitude of Michelsons grasp of Blues music...whether he is playing his smooth slide guitar or honkin on his harp.
Dig This Real Magazine
----
Interpretive, talented and visionary are all words that can be applied to the stringed fluency of Motu.... The Blues Lives!
The Long Island Blues Society
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Dr. Richard Michelson, a formidable blues guitarist and very raw singer... we are talking some serious blues.
Jazz.COM
MOTU (Dr Richard Michelson) is a member of ASCAP, a past Director on the Board of The Long Island Blues Society, and an active member of other Music Related Organizations that promote the education, and awareness, of American forms of music (blues, jazz, folk, roots, etc.). Contact MOTU by email: motu@motu.net
For more information, visit http://www.motu.net - Summary of Several Recent Reviews
FIVE STARS!!!!
Falling into the Americana and blues-rock genres, Suitcase Full Of Sorrow And Another Filled With Dreams is the 19th album from Long Island NY based MOTU. The stage name for Dr. Richard Michelson, MOTU also spotlights a number of musicians, including Dee Michelson (vocals), Bob Rush (keys/harmonica), Mark Loebl (bass), Ed Modzel (drums) and Rich Fry (guitar). Some of the artists MOTU are compared to include Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker and on this 2019 release, MOTU proves his worth as a slide guitarist, singer-songwriter and bandleader. The ten-track CD release of Suitcase Full Of Sorrow And Another Filled With Dreams covers a lot of musical bases, including blues, pop, rock, some folk flavors and country twang too. One of the many highlights, track six, “New World Order” touches on modern day societal issues. Some of the tracks are more introspective in nature while other tracks, some featuring searing electric guitar leads, are more involved and rocked out. A rare, unexpected treat from the Long Island based-MOTU, Suitcase Full Of Sorrow And Another Filled With Dreams is a very well rounded album of 21st century blues-rock. - Roots Music Report written by Robert Silverstein 2019
MOTU
The MOTU Sampler Collection-Limited Edition ? (self-released)
Too few artists today understand the “less is more” concept. Fortunately, MOTU
is not one of them.
MOTU, the alter ego of Long Island, NY-based bluesman Dr. Richard Michelson,
is all about minimalism. His latest disc, The MOTU Sampler Collection, is for the
most part a low-key effort, yet it boils over with a ferocious
grit that is full of John Lee Hooker-meets-Tom Waits-inthe-
Mississippi Delta intensity.
The somber, solo acoustic slide guitar-driven “The Wind
Is Blowin’ From The West” is a prime example of MOTU’s
fi nest stuff–the guy’s at his best armed with just a guitar and
his often-tortured lyrics. “Going Back To Memphis” offers
more of MOTU’s subdued, yet passionate, back porch-style blues. When he sings,
“Ain’t got no Sunday suit for my grave,” it’s as gut-wrenching and authentic as
you can get without the fi rsthand experience of being a sharecropper during the
1930s.
MOTU mixes it up with the lazy shuffl e of “So Lonely,” featuring band accompaniment
with complementary female vocals providing the perfect counterpoint
to Michelson’s raw vocal delivery. The rousing boogie of “Refund Check” shows
the electric side of MOTU, with Michelson blazing through some white-hot guitar
licks. For some added diversity, there’s the jazz-infl ected “All Is Blue,” further
proof that Michelson needs only a guitar and his grizzled vocal tones to keep a crowd
on the edge of their seats.
The MOTU Sampler Collection is a hefty slice of deep blues from a guy who sounds
like he knows a thing or two about hard times. This is the real deal: unfi ltered, honest
music that could easily resonate with anyone who’s experienced a rough road.
MOTU’s tough, yet vulnerably aching sound is the stuff great American tales are
made of. —Mark Uricheck - Elmore Magazine
"Interpretive, talented and visionary are all words that can be applied to the stringed fluency of Motu. His playing is fluid, articulate and ripe with personality. His unique feel, style and breadth are well worth the trip to which these audiences can readily attest. The Blues Lives!"
-The Long Island Blues Society- - The Long Island Blues Society
MOTU's TENTH Indie CD Release Makes it on to the CDBaby EDITOR's RECOMMENDED BLUES PICKS LIST!!! Go to the NEWS Section of
http://www.motu.net
for more info. - CDBaby
MOTU - Roadhouse Jesters
I am a firm believer in letting the music speak for itself so I popped the CD right in. Motu is the creation of Dr Richard Michelson who has a global fanbase. He is a powerhouse in the blues genre.
This CD is actually a live CD. There is something about live blues music that makes me want to grab a bottle of Jack Daniels and sit in a bar for hours on end. Motu’s idea with the CD was to record the CD in an intimate club setting. Motu did not let anyone know that they were performing and recording live so that his fans would not drown out the live sound. He even booked the night as the ‘Roadhouse Jesters.’
The end result of Motu’s scheme is brilliant. If you can put yourself in a frame of mind to sit and play this CD and capture the musical ingenuity you are in for a treat. Some tracks of note are, “I Got My Refund Check,” “People Get Ready,” and “When The Levee Breaks.”
Not only did I enjoy reviewing this CD but I plan on playing it at many summer BBQ’s coming up. This is feel good and have a drink type of music. Thank you Motu!
http://www.roadhousejesters.com/
Review By: Mikey Frieds - SKOPE Magazine
For the live recording “Roadhouse Jesters” vocalist/guitarist Dr Richard Michelson (Motu) put together a hot band of blues veterans to play an unannounced gig, and no doubt ending up winning over the folks in the room that night. The band (Ed Modzel, Dolores Chetta, Karl “Big Daddy” Reamer, George Gashonia) consistently lays down a loose and flexible pocket for Motu and Dolores to growl and purr some of the best couplets in the blues canon like ‘Everyday I Have the Blues’ and ‘Sweet Little Angel.’ Motu comfortably navigates the waters between a high energy jump blues and a slow tin pan alley burner and his whiskeyed scruff matches up well with Dolores’ soulful vocals (albeit with an New York accent). These cats are clearly schooled in the blues lexicon and know the long-loved tools and tricks of the trade. The constant toothy presence of Motu’s electric guitar is a tightrope walk across a pit of hungry gators – in the tradition of blues greats like John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy that consistently veer out of control and time in search of personal expression, Motu’s guit steps right up to the edge, slides over, then lands on its feet with a deft thud and a knowing wink. Embrace the blues in you and give it a listen.
- WW - The NYC Deli Magazine; Music From The Big Apple
Aug. 17, 2008: MOTU IS THE 2008/2009 Regional International Blues Challenge (IBC) Winner!
MOTU also this week was awarded two BILLBOARD World Music Awards!
- LIBS
MOTU – Going Back To Memphis / 2007 / 11 Tracks / http://www.motu.net /
"So Lonely" starts out "Going Back To Memphis", and it shows MOTU as an act that is tremendously influenced by blues. The male vocals during "So Lonely" have a Randy Newman-like approach to them, and the inclusion of the second, female vocals on the track give the track further expansion. The instrumentation of the track may meander, but the inclusion of both vocals do a great job of reining the instrumentation in. "52 West 8th Avenue" shows more focus in regards to the instrumentation, opening up with a guitar line that is focused, but allowed to wander at key points.
The resulting track shows the ability of the instrumentation to stick along well with the vocals. These two streams converge again during the title track. "Going Back To Memphis" shifts the style of MOTU a bit, to include a more bluegrass type of style. There is a hidden energy to the track that is present in the slide-heavy guitar lines present during "Going Back To Memphis". The band makes a heart turn into a classic type of blues sound with their "Clear Water". This is evidenced not only by the instrumentation present on the track, but even in the lyrical structure employed by MOTU. This means that there is a phrase sung, repeated again, with the third line putting forth another idea. While some of the tracks on "Going Back To Memphis" fit well in today's music, "Clear Water" shines even more brightly due to its' use of these earlier style. However, the disc shines brightest with "Walk `Till I Fall".
The dual vocals come back in a major way during this track, and while the instrumentation takes a back seat, there is nuance enough present in these vocals to keep individuals interested throughout the track. The guitar work of Dr. Richard Michelson is something to behold during all 11 tracks of "Going Back To Memphis". This is because of the full sound that he can provide with just six strings. Notes that typically would not mesh well together are given a new lease on life as Michelson's skillful fingers link them together. "Going Back To Memphis" has made a convert out of someone that would not typically get within 20 feet of a blues type of album. Even if your tastes are more closely aligned with rock, hardcore, or punk music, it would behoove you to pick up this album.
Top Tracks: I Won't Be Standing Alone, Clear Water
Rating: 7.1/10
- NeuFutur Magazine
This is the eighth release by MOTU, and individuals will be immediately attacked by the brand of blues and funk that the band inserts into each and every track. However, individuals should know that the band did not play together before this disc was recorded – some of the members did not even know each other in the slightest! Coupled with the allure of the band’s compositions on “Roadhouse Jesters”, the production on the disc is impressive enough to confuse individuals into thinking that the act went into the studio to create this album.
The first track on “Roadhouse Jesters” is “Smokestack Lightening”, a track that shows individuals that there does not need to be vocals at every point during the track. In fact, when the vocals do show up, they are just a garnish – an additional element – that makes the track more memorable. The female vocals on “Little Red Rooster” change things up considerably, with only the instrumentation remaining as a constant through the two tracks. MOTU move back towards an instrumentation-heavy approach with their third track on “Roadhouse Jesters”, “Every Day I Have The Blues”. “Every Day I Have The Blues”, despite the genre associations that the title elicits, has a funkiness to the instrumentation that will remind listeners of the original Blues Brothers soundtrack. However many approaches or styles MOTU takes during their time on “Roadhouse Jesters”, it is really during “People Get Ready” that the act solidifies and provides listeners with their first single.
The dual vocals, male and female, perfectly lie on top on the smooth and sedate arrangements on the track. Despite the fact that MOTU plays a type of blues that is rooted in the classic sounds of the genre, Dr. Richard Michelson and the rest of his band are talented enough to make their sound attractive to fans that like contemporary styles of music. The fact that individuals can take the stage and have little familiarity with the other members of their band and still create such passionate and impressive music says volumes about the talent possessed by MOTU. Here’s to hoping that word of “Roadhouse Jesters” increases to the degree that the album gets airplay on college and independent stations throughout the United States. Check out “Roadhouse Jesters” even if you would not typically consider yourself a fan of blues or other related genres of music.
Top Tracks: It Ain’t None of Your Business, It Hurts Me Too
Rating: 7.3/10
- NeuFutur Magazine
Discography
MOTU's latest 22nd Official Album will be released on May 2, 2023 and already has rave reviews. Read one of those reviews @ https://www.rootsmusicreport.com/reviews/view/1679/album-review-of-the-water-is-high-songs-of-love-l... All of MOTU's past albums have received praises from the press and several have even received first round Grammy Nominations. For example, MOTU's 12th CD had sales approaching 60,000 in the first six months since it's release and also was that year's selection by the LIBS for the Best Self-Produced CD Competition held by the Blues Foundation and awarded during the IBC in Memphis! Other releases have spent over 4 Months on the CDBaby Editor's Recommended List & Received RAVE Reviews in Music Journals like Elmore Magazine. MOTU has also received radio play in major markets ...and sold over 475,000 Self-Produced Indie CDs to a growing global fan base which can be demonstrated by his over Quarter Million facebook followers and over 9 Million YouTube video views! Past CDs have had line ups of some outstanding Long Island-NY musicians; many of whom have performed with very well known artists such as Bo Diddley, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Watermelon Slim, Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts, Taylor Dayne, and Cindi Lauper (just to name a few)!
Visit www.motu.net for a complete list of CDs and more information including links to past reviews.
LIVE Videos of MOTU Solo & MOTU's Electric Band can be seen on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MotuBlues/
Photos
Bio
MOTU is an Indie NY-based Acoustic & Electric /Blues-Roots recording artist and Singer-Songwriter performer. His Big Band includes veteran musicians on a variety of instruments including horns, keyboards, multiple guitars, and other string instruments creating a unique sound that has become recognized world wide with a global fan club that is growing fast. This can also be demonstrated from MOTU's over a Quarter Million facebook followers, over 9 MILLION views on YouTube, and the over 475,000 SELF PRODUCED INDIE CD sales! MOTU's CDs, several of which have been considered for Grammy Awards, have received RAVE Reviews including from Elmore Magazine; the defacto journal of the blues (see http://www.motu.net/elmore_motu_2009.html )!
Some of MOTU's CDs have spent OVER 4 MONTHS on CD Baby's Editor's Recommended CDs List! MOTU has also released DVDs and Blu-Ray discs as well as 19 Albums over his career with very well-known musicians; many of whom have performed with very well known artists such as Bo Diddley, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Watermelon Slim, Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts, Taylor Dayne, and Cindi Lauper (just to name a few)! His 22nd Official Album will be released on May 2, 2023 and already has rave reviews. Read one of those reviews @ https://www.rootsmusicreport.com/reviews/view/1679/album-review-of-the-water-is-high-songs-of-love-l...
MOTU's has also had a CD Release selected by the LIBS for the Best Self-Produced CD Competition held by the Blues Foundation and awarded during the IBC in Memphis!
In addition to ALL of this; MOTU was a SemiFinalist Winner in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) and is also a winner of two BILLBOARD World Music Awards, was voted BEST Non-Cover Band in both the 2022 & 2020 Best of Long Island Competition, was a Semi-Finalist Winner in the International Song Writing Competition (ISC), and has also received radio play in major markets! MOTU's music is roots acoustic rock with delta blues and jam band influences. MOTU has also won praises from classic rock greats for his music-based charity work. MOTU's self produced CDs and Blu-Ray Discs are available at Apple Music ( iTunes), Spotify, Tidal, Amazon, and other quality music stores world-wide. Official Fan Club Web-Site: http://www.motu.net & on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/MOTURecords/
Here are some other published RAVE Reviews about MOTU:
"The constant toothy presence of MOTUs electric guitar is a tightrope walk across a pit of hungry gators in the tradition of blues greats like John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy! "
-The Deli Magazine; Music Recipes from the Big Apple
----
"It doesnt get any better than this! This is INDIE electric JAM-BAND music at its best!"
- The NYC Underground Muse Magazine.
----
"Such passionate, and impressive, music says volumes about the talent possessed by MOTU."
-Neufutur Magazine
----
Dr Richard (motu) is a fabulous slide guitarist...the best part of an Oreo cookie...even without milk.
-GoodTimes Magazine
----
"The new one from MOTU is chock full of rockin' good blues. Pop it in the CD player and crank it up! "
- Jerry Schaefer, host of Graveyard Blues on Long Island, NY's Rock Station 94.3FM
----
This is a feel good and have a drink type of music. Thank you MOTU!
-Skope Magazine
----
This is the real deal: unfiltered, honest music that could easily resonate with anyone whos experienced a rough road. MOTUs tough, yet vulnerably aching sound is the stuff great American tales are made of Elmore Magazine
----
Its the magnitude of Michelsons grasp of Blues music...whether he is playing his smooth slide guitar or honkin on his harp.
Dig This Real Magazine
----
Interpretive, talented and visionary are all words that can be applied to the stringed fluency of Motu.... The Blues Lives!
The Long Island Blues Society
----
Dr. Richard Michelson, a formidable blues guitarist and very raw singer... we are talking some serious blues.
Jazz.COM
MOTU (Dr Richard Michelson) is a member of ASCAP, a past Director on the Board of The Long Island Blues Society, and an active member of other Music Related Organizations that promote the education, and awareness, of American forms of music (blues, jazz, folk, roots, etc.). Contact MOTU by email: concerts@motu.net
For more information, visit http://www.motu.net
Band Members
Links
