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09.03.04
Last month we ran a contest for a Michael Tolcher prize
package. Three runner-ups won a signed Tolcher poster,
while the grand prize winner received a signed CD, a
T-shirt and a wristband. Here are the winning entries.
Grand Prize winner
Patric Oesterheld - Fredericksburg, VA
From the start of his debut album I Am, it's
obvious that Michael Tolcher is searching for something
- social consciousness, a new leadership for America,
a release for the stresses of the world. His search
doesn't go unfulfilled. Through a winding journey of
12 songs, Tolcher gives us exactly what we're looking
for - a musician that inspires you to take up your journey
in life and find what means the most to you. His guidance
is appreciated.
With a decidedly hip-hop beat, Tolcher explores many
genres of music on his debut - but always comes back
to one unfailing truth - the guy can flat out write
some of the best songs ever put to paper. The current
single "Mission Responsible" takes on our
responsibility to accept all people, without regard
to our differences or stations in life. He manages to
do it without the accusing tones of protest rock, but
leaves us feeling as if we all have to do more. One
of the strongest songs on the album, "The Sun Song",
explores our faith without preaching, with the power
to take every listener back to a time when they needed
something - anything - to hold on to until the storms
of life had passed.
That said, it's not really fair to call this a debut
album. It's more a collection of stories and thoughts
from Tolcher's life on the road the past eight years.
It's a life that has taken him to new crowds constantly.
More often than hot, those new crowds embrace him whole
heatedly. As powerful as this debut is, it only scratches
the surface of his live sets. That, however, shouldn't
keep you from buying this amazing debut CD... and catching
his live show or two... or twelve. Yes, it's that good!
Runner-ups
Amanda Smith - Yazoo City, MS
Very few things bring me to tears, but Michael Tolcher's
album did just that. I Am is made my a man who's
very lyrics scream passion and a yearning for a deeper
meaning to life. The words combined with the power and
beauty of an original music will move even the most
stoic people to question their lives. Michael Tolcher's
sound has the rare ability to be fresh and funky, yet
deep and soul-searching.
If asked to compare him to other artists, his words
are similar to those of the man who played piano on
the record, Gavin Degraw. Like Pete Schmidt, he has
a young bouncy sound to many of his songs. Some songs
have just as much funk and rhythm as any boy band! This
might explain the different groups he's toured with
which include Pat McGee Band, Ingram Hill, Gavin Degraw,
Hanson and soon Sister Hazel.
The most powerful track vocally are those for which
Tolcher did a lot of soul searching. For "Bad Habits",
Michael looked into a mirror to sing, "I learned
all my Bad Habits from you." He claims his mistakes
and encourages his listeners to do the same. "Waiting"
explores our anger and our humanness.
Perhaps, Michael's greatest vocal range is displayed
in this song which is eerily haunting.
In the mood to make out? Michael is sensually pleasing.
In his song "Kiss and Tell," he asks young
women everywhere to be his "angel with sex appeal,"
or "his sweet taste of caramel." I'm melting
already. Hips and all will be responding to the voice
that becomes pure sex for "No One Above."
The CD is wonderful, life advice that you can shake
your rump to.
Christina Laurain - Detroit, MI
I Am, the debut album from Michael Tolcher follows
a simple formula, in Michael's words: "melody +
rhythm + meaning = SONG." The 12-track compilation
is a 43 minute escape into the heart and soul of a lyrical
poet, bringing a message of truth to a world in need
of some soul-opening, thought evoking lyrics.
A product of Lovejoy, GA, just outside of Atlanta,
Michael began on his path to music after an injury ultimately
halted his track career at Georgia Tech and with it,
his Olympic aspirations. Lucky for us, music became
Michael's second attempt at finding what he wanted out
of life. Some concerts in the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary
(where his father was resident chaplain), and a chance
encounter with inmate and father of Tupac, Dr. Matulu
Shakur, propelled Michael into pursing a formal music
career.
It's hard to describe exactly what Michael Tolcher's
style is. In fact, I Am mixes pop, rock, soul,
and R&B with melodies and hooks that are so catchy
they invade your soul, while his lyrics alone could
read as poetry. The groove-felt tracks of "Mission
Responsible," a song begging people to grab life
and LIVE it instead of just letting life be lived; "No
One Above," an upbeat tune about the path to love
and the realization that this lover supercedes all others;
and "I Am," the title track off the album
which encompasses Michael's journey and what he hopes
people will feel when they hear him, are only a glimpse
into the talented singer/songwriter's realm of artful
medium. Michael continues his story in the pop laden
tracks "Miracle" and "Kings In Castles".
The album contains some fun tunes too in "Taxi
Ride" and "Kiss and Tell". For the rock
lover, Michael has supplied us with several cuts off
I Am. "Sooner or Later," an interesting
song that understands that stubbornness which is the
human condition; "Bad Habits,", a profound
song about always striving to become closer to perfection;
"Waiting," an intense track that expounds
upon the emotions of anger and frustration and finally,
there's the "Sun Song," my favorite cut off
Michael Tolcher's I Am. For anyone who has ever
started a new journey at any point in their lifethis
will become your new theme song!
Michael Tolcher is definitely one the most talented
musicians to come along in 2004 and that makes I
Am one of the greatest albums of 2004. This one
is fresh, different, uplifting, positive, lyrical, memorable,
makes you DANCE, amazing, and I would stay tuned to
Michael's story...it is still unfolding.
Lauren Ziegler - Athens, OH
I feel that Michael Tolcher's CD I Am is nothing
short of fantastic. Its full of anthems that coincide
with love, life, and personal struggles. I am particularly
partial to songs like Sooner or Later, Mission Responsible,
and Kings In Castles due to their feel good upbeat rhythms
and realistically meaningful lyrics. The CD not only
offers these songs, but also a myriad of songs with
styles ranging from classic rock to funk to soul. This
CD is sure to entice a wide variety of music lovers
from all walks of life. If you haven't yet checked out
Michael Tolcher's I am I highly suggest you take
the time to soak up some of his awesome songs.
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