Michael Tolcher
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ - January 30, 2004

With his soul-based positive tunes and a new band, Michael Tolcher entertained us with a show we won't forget.

Michael Tolcher gave an intimate performance at what would have been a sold-out Gavin DeGraw show. It didn't matter, he would have stolen the show anyway.

Nevertheless, I was there to see Tolcher even before I heard DeGraw would be there. I'm glad I was, because seeing him live for the second time was phenomenal.

There's excitement in his music; more so, there's a message. Put his optimistic lyrics with some kickin soul-based alternative tunes, and you've got one kick ass show.

Tolcher not only played a slower-tempoed "Sooner or Later", but it finished with a raggae feel. Showing off his new band, it was evident that their stage chemistry was spot on. Props to his back up singer -- he's got a succulent soulful R&B sorta voice, and he let it wail all while playing some great electric solos. His drummer, Lester Lee, exudes rhythm and surge as well.

"Miracle" was another moving tune, as it always is. It showed off Tolcher's ability to replicate his studio sound while maintaining a live edge. He put down his guitar to sing "Taxi Ride", with his everready power-based band backing him up.

"No One Above" was at an increased tempo, and the song, as it always does, featured his seductive lyrics and edgy voice.

But my favorite song next to "Mission Responsible" is "Bad Habits", and I melted when he sang it. His voice ranged from highs to lows, and everywhere in between - the depth and range he can produce is awe-inspiring indeed. The subtle background music of the band let his voice show off.

"This is a song about wanting to do what you say you're going to do later," Tolcher said, introducing the next song, "Waiting." He sang "I Am" as well, the title track to his much-anticipated forthcoming album.

Closing with "Mission Responsible" I got my usual goosebumps. Don't you just love that song? It's so inspiring; and the way Tolcher ad-libbed throughout it was divine as well.

"This is not practice, people, this is the real thing," he said during the semi-spoken word tune.

This is the kind of musician I could watch perform the same nine tracks over and over. He is so vocally gifted, with a voice that can go from soul-funk to classical ranges. The band was high energy (though Tolcher kept apologizing for some sound malfunctions) and the crowd was just as electrified. He didn't wear "the stripes" but I let it go -- the music was just too darn good, anyway.

Get ready, America. Here comes Michael Tolcher. His words are eloquent, his voice is supreme and he's got a message that each of us need to hear. Stay tuned because once I Am is released, we'll all be on a Mission Responsible.

Big shout-outs to go Under New Ownership, the band that opened for Tolcher. They were definitely worthy to share the stage with the Tolch. And as for Virginia Coalition, who went on after, well, I'd never heard them before, but from the few songs I did hear, I can tell you that I am definitely picking up their CD soon.

Reviewed by Kristen Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com