Here Comes The Skelly by Michael Snow

Born and raised in Liverpool, England, the son of Irish immigrants, Michael Snow began his professional music career in 1962 with the Merseybeat group The Barons, who recorded for Parlophone/EMI.

Moving to London in 1964, he joined West Five, scoring a chart hit with the early Jagger / Richards composition "Congratulations," after which his Irish roots showed briefly in a six-month stint with the prominent showband from Waterford, The Blue Aces (HMV Records).

As a London resident, Michael established himself as a freelance touring pianist/musical director with visiting R&B stars such as Doris Troy, Edwin Star, Ben E. King, and The Checkmates.

Michael joined The Checkmates as a full member in 1966, helping the band's transition to mainstream rock acceptance under their new name Ferris Wheel. Having tasted songwriting success composing Marmalade's first hit "Can't Stop Now" (CBS), he became chief writer/arranger on a string of popular European releases from Ferris Wheel, retiring from the band in 1969 to pursue songwriting and studio session work, while also serving as a music publishing manager for the world renowned Robert Stigwood Organization. During his period he contributed to works by, most notably, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Badfinger, and a career highlight John Lennon's "Power to the People" (Plastic Ono Band.)

1970 brought international success as a writer of "Rosetta." "Rosetta" was a number one hit in nine countries in its original recording by Georgie Fame and Alan Price (CBS). "Rosetta" won the 1971 Ivor Novello Award (UK's Grammy), and was followed by numerous cover versions of the now classic tune, translated into nine languages.

In the Ninteties, Michael has returned more and more to his Irish roots. And his multi-instrumental expertise has been utilized to add flavor to recordings by Robert Earl Keene, Gloria Loring, Canada's Leslie Schatz, Nashville folk artist Adie Grey, Cathryn Craig, (whose album "Porch Songs" was voted one of the top five country albums in Britain for 1996-97).Michael Snow as also contributed to recordings by contemporary Christian star Michael Card, and the acclaimed CD "Celtic Passion-The Music of Roy Orbison," as well as forthcoming abums by Brian McDade and Ian Gomm.

Michael contributed six co-writes with Brian Willoughby's (The Strawbs' lead guitarist) recent U.K. release "Black & White." Michael also has a tune on the EMI compilation "Dr. Hook-Love Songs" (1999).

As the new century begins, look for Michael's songwriting contrubutions on Dennis Locorriere's February 2000 solo release of "Out Of The Dark," (Track Records - U.K.) One of Michael's most exciting projects to date includes the current release of his brand new album "Here Comes The Skelly," (Irish Eye Records), a song cycle reflecting his Liverpool / Irish background.

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