 User Since: 11/28/2011 1:55:45 AM
He has a fine voice, the arrangements are tight, varied, and take unexpected turns every
now and then. Good musicianship all the way around! Looking at the credits I took notice
of the instruments played: pedal steel, baritone mandolin, upright bass, fiddle, fender
rhodes, cello, to name a few. An eclectic mix. It speaks highly of the musicianship required
to bring them into a good light. Musicians love music. Seems obvious, but often it's not.
These folks can really play, write, and interact in ways that point to a deep appreciation and
understanding of a musical landscape in which they were brought up and inspired by. It's
the tradition of sharing your voice, influences, and having something to say, while
maintaining your originality. The evidence is all there in their music. I say, well done!
-Bill Payne, Little Feat (on the new album)
The style of MiZ, the band, has been described as a fusion of folk, rock, bluegrass and
blues; in short a melting pot blended into what would best be categorized as “pure
Americana.” The groups’ founder, lead guitarist and singer/songwriter Mike Mizwinski, comes
from Northeastern Pennsylvania, an area long known for its rich and vibrant talent.
Mike literally comes from a musical family, as his parents met in college where they were
both studying music. At an early age they instilled in their young son an admiration and
appreciation for the arts. Given his first guitar at the age of 2, Mike states: “I knew at a very
early age I wanted to play the guitar but it was when my Dad took me to my first Grateful
Dead show (at the age of nine) that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life”.
Mike joined his first band at the age of 15 and began writing his own music. Ironically
enough, at the age of 18 while attending a college in Florida, which he felt would help him
achieve his goals, Mike’s life was side tracked by a battle with drug addiction. What followed
were years of struggle ending finally with a delicate victory and promise that would one day
define MiZ.
In 2003 Mike moved back to Pennsylvania. While continuing to play with local bands he
began working on his solo career. In 2008 he was spotted by the international touring band
Gongzilla. As bassist Hansford Rowe expressed, he could see that “Mike could play viscerally
and also sing, making for a cross-pollination of genres.” He was invited to join the band
where his first gig was at the Troubadour in LA . During his time with Gongzilla he had the
opportunity to play alongside members of Zappa, moe. Umphrey’s McGee, Particle, Crosby,
Stills & Nash.
Wanting to form his own band to showcase his original music, Mike used Gongzilla's hiatus
as an opportunity to form MiZ. Since it’s inception in 2010, MiZ has had the opportunity to
open for such acts as Derek Trucks, Bob Dylan, Shawn Colvin, Leon Russell, Blue Oyster
Cult, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Railroad Earth, Blues
Traveler and more. In addition to MiZ, Mike currently he plays with Jam Stampede (former
members of the Zen Tricksters) and Garcia Grass. Becoming well know for guitar skills and
solid jams Mike’s live performances are what brings fans back every time. Mike has been
afforded the opportunity to share the stage with Garth Hudson (The Band), Jackie Greene,
Michael Glablicki (Rusted Root), Mark Ford (Black Crowes), Marco Benevento, Umphrey's
McGee, Jeff Pevar, Don Preston (Frank Zappa and the Mothers), Merl Saunders, plus
members of String Cheese Incident, Particle, and moe.
East Hope Avenue has been years in the making. It is a collection of original songs written
from Mike’s experiences over the past decade. Accompanying Mike on the CD is the talent of
Freeman White, (Donna Jean Godchaux), Brett Alexander (Badlees), Bill Stetz, East Hope
Avenue includes a variety other musicians Mike has played with over the years, along with
guest appearances by Buddy Cage (New Riders), John Graboff (Ryan Adams and the
Cardinals), Gordon Stone and Eva Katherine. East Hope Avenue is to due be released
October first. |
