J Michael

Birthdate: Feb. 25, 1952 , Kenton , OH , as John Michael Loeffert.

Current Bands: WolfHound and occasional freelance

Gear: Vocals/Shure 57, stock 77 Fender Jazz, Yamaha BBG5S, Peavey Palaedium, Sansamp Bass DI, SWR 800 pwr. amp, various rack processing, Boss CE 2 and OC 2 pedals, JBL and Cerwin Vega spkrs. in personally designed and built encls., Polytone III practice amp, Fast Fret (never leave home without it).

Recordings you are on: First recording, age 5 (recently digitally re-mastered onto CD, thank you technology!!), since then several albums, studio demos, MANY personally recorded live performances

Favorite bassist (living): Lee Sklar, Johnny B. Gayden, Jeff Berlin

Favorite bassist (deceased): James Jamerson, Jaco Pastorius

Favorite singer (living): David Clayton-Thomas, Joanna Connor, Barbra Streisand (really!)

Favorite singer (deceased): Albert Collins, Mama Cass Elliot, Mel Torme (really!)

First record you bought: The first I recall is a 45 of "It's My Party" by Lesley Gore. (Hey, it has GREAT changes), while the first album was Hendrix's "Are You Experienced." Now THERES diversity!?!

First Blues record you bought: "When A Guitar Plays The Blues," Roy Buchanan. I heard the title cut on WBBY and didn't hesitate.

Music career focus: Most of the time I find myself in a (strictly) supportive role. Therefore, my ultimate purpose is to make the "leader" sound as great as possible. (How am I doing, Kathy?) As well, I maintain that, while foundational, the bass can also be wonderfully melodic. Hopefully, I'm getting somewhere by striving to keep my work consistently interesting. Down the road, I hope to hit the road. Oh yeah, I probably should learn to read music!?!

J Michael: "As a bassist: I'm humbled, yet ultimately proud to realize that we bassists are the only band members who carry the responsibility of a dual function; tonic AND rhythmic. As an entertainer: For me, the stage is Sacred ground. That carries with it the privilege of giving honor to the listener by doing my best to give all I can all the time. I realize that the audience could choose to be anywhere else...it would be nice to think I helped cause them to be glad they showed up.

."