Michael Monarch.com
Original guitarist
for
STEPPENWOLF
"Born To Be Wild"
"Magic Carpet Ride"
"Rock Me Baby"
"Sookie Sookie"
Look for Michael's new music here and on iTunes & many other download sites!
Questions or coments to: mm@MichaelMonarch.com
Steppenwolf's Born To Be Wild is now in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame!
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Favorite Quotes"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free,
and good men die like dogs.......... There's also a negative side."-- Hunter S. Thompson "Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way when you criticize them, you're a mile away and have their shoes."-- Anonymous "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, WOW! WHAT A RIDE!" "You don't really own anything you can't carry in both hands.......at a dead run!"-- Robert Heinlein
"Live everyday like it's your last...... someday you'll be right!"-- R. Charles
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MUSIC REVIEWS
"MM3"
Michael, I waited a long time for this CD, and it WAS worth the wait !!!!! Please do NOT send any copies to Jeff Beck or Junior Brown, for fear that they will "Give Up" playing.........Brian Carrigan
This CD is awesome!!! A perfect example of a virtuoso guitar player’s ability to paint with a full pallet of sonic colors! How many players can pull off this kind of diversity? From Rock and Country pickin' to Blues and even some Latin tracks, it’s all there in MM3. This is guitar playing at it’s best!......Rick Waite, General Mgr. – West L.A. Music
Michael Monarch – MM3
Michael is a fine musician who controls his guitar sound with enviable technique. The riffs he plays are unique and often quirky but at the same time bluesy and soulful because of his emphasizes on tone and phrasing. “Pickin’ A Boogie” combines skill and originality, starting with clean country picking, morphing into bluesy slide, then turning into crazy all out rock and even a surprise left turn to some jazz scaling at the end. “Slide On Over”, the second tune on the CD, is as the title indicates a song that features electric slide guitar with heavy bombastic drums. There is some nice steel string acoustic guitar there too. The haunting “Softly She Came” has a beautiful melody played on classical guitar. There are a couple of stand out Latin inspired tunes, “Cubana” and “Amor Or Less”, also featuring nylon string acoustic guitar. “One Last Time” finishes the album with a simple tune that would be right at home in a movie soundtrack. Although Michael has drawn on some of the guitar greats for inspiration on this project, he has come up with something fresh and original that covers quite a lot of musical ground. This is an instrumental album with a great deal of quality played by an experienced pro. Highly recommended……..Mark Spiwak, #1 ProTools sales USA
THE NEW STUFF YOUVE BEEN RECORDING IS ABSOLUTELY FAN-FRIGGIN-TASTIC . GREAT MATERIAL!!......... Goldy McJohn - Steppenwolf
This is a guitar lovers CD with a great mix of music. Stylistically, the fully-instrumental album moves seamlessly through Rock, Latin, Country, and Jazz genres. The writing is strong throughout and the result is a collection of tunes that are unique and highly enjoyable. Standouts include "Pickin' A Boogie" which mixes boogie woogie piano with cleanly picked country guitar and a surprise ending, "Knee Slapper" an all out country pick-fest and the Latin influenced "Amor Or Less" and "Cubana" featuring acoustic guitar. By including Hammond organ on "Malibu Sunset", Michael has added some nice additional colors to the recording. To sum it up, this is a must get album which shows a dedication to quality music......Jeff Tranner - Rock Guitar Review, March 2006
"the Other Side of the Tracks"
Some guitar players know how to play all the notes - but Michael not only knows the notes, he knows where and when to play them. As a professional in the music business I don't get excited about every player I hear, but this cd pushes all the buttons! When I heard "Guitar Bazaar" I wondered how he would top it....well he has! I recommend "the Other Side of the Tracks" to any listener who wants to hear guitar playing at it's best....Rick Waite, Vice President & General Mgr. - West L.A. Music, Sept. 2002.
This cd opens up fast and hard with rockers like "Blow Out!" and the Near Eastern influenced "Back East" but don't think that is all there is. Monarch moves effortlessly into "When It Rains", which is an interesting mix of classically influenced new age jazz and then into the bluesy "Last Call". It's rare to find a guitar player who plays with great technical chops, yet maintains the soul of the music....... Ron Marzilli, ASCAP Songwriter You kick ass! I'm listening to your CD right now...again! AWESOME JOB.....Goldy Locks, recording artist
My CD's arrived today and I was surprised! I knew these CD's had to be pretty good because I know your an exceptional guitarist. But, pretty good was an understatement....,I was blown away! It's hard to pick a favorite between "Tracks" & "Bazaar", because their both really great.Man, I wish I could play guitar and write songs like that!!Jim Davenport - Dec. 9th, 2002
" Back East" got a lot of airplay here, after I played it for the first timemy people have requested it week after week. Talk to you soon.....Mark O'Neill - 103.7 3WAY-FM - August 25th, 2003 I'm a long time fan and musician myself. I ordered your cd and I'm very impressed with your playing! "The Other Side Of The Tracks" is superb. Anyone who's been a fan of Michael Monarch's musical journeys over the past 37 years would be foolish not to purchase this CD. It delivers on multiple levels - I never get tired of playing it.....Uncle Light & Rich M - Music Fans - July 8th, 2004 Greetings to Michael whose work I followed since the early Steppenwolf days and later on thru his work in Detective. I have discovered a new musical dimension with Michaels latest work on the other side of the tracks. Simply its an excellent display of musical moods and chords. Would be nice to have Michael visit Venezuela, not only for a concert but also to know the beauty of the country.Best to MichaelEdgar Arvay - Caracas, Venezuela Just wanted to let you know that I have been rocking to The Other Side of the Tracks...it is awesome! Looking forward to your next CD! C.W. - March, 2005
"Guitar Bazaar" Many "guitar-oriented" albums are released each year. Some are wimpy new-age efforts, others bluesy romps, recycling old licks 'til the cows come home. This is none of these - just a straight-ahead rock and roll whirlwind, moving effortlessly one tune to another, with major influences Jeff Beck and Albert King echoing throughout. Monarch, former lead guitarist for Steppenwolf, is an accomplished fret man, and he plays the majority of instruments on this outing. The tunes range from the subtle, moody "Black Satin Sheets" to "Technical Meltdown," which begins tongue-in-cheek, pastiching the faux-jazz that passes for music on our local station - very tasty, and quite aggressive. Monarch has an attack and control over tone seasoned by years of playing, and he's a joy to hear, whether playing forceful, crunchy rock ("Toastin' Jam") or something more playful and thoughtful ("Little Dreamer"). All in all, this outing is a delight forguitarlovers………. Stephan Patt, Vintage Guitar Magazine, May 2001
Drivin' Rhythm and Dynamic Guitar...Man, what an impressive instrumental release from this consummate rock guitar pro! Outstanding talent, production values and hot charts. Range of musical emotions is top-flight on this recording. Buy this CD!........the SpinDoctor@cdstreet.com WOW! I have to tell you that I think the cd is AWESOME! I was blown away by it. You are just plain on fire! Man, that stuff gets the juices flowin' pretty quick. Being a bass player, I LOVE stuff like that. Funk mixed with rock just gives you so much room to move as a bass player. Well, I just had to write and tell you how much I LOVE the disc. Don't worry, I'll be getting quite a few of my friends to listen to it..........Peter Tudisco, Nov. 2000
Just wanted to let you know that we sold all of the copies of yourGuitar Bazaar cd we bought from you and will need to get more in the nearfuture. It is a great cd if you ever record another solo disc send me anemail and we'll stock em'.....Steve Albanese, Two Guys Music, RI
Hello Michael. I bought both of your releases on the Baby. You blewme away! Just couldn't be more pleased. When can hungry fans expect a3rd? Can hardly wait! I wish you the greatest of success. Keep onrockin'. Sincerely, Robb B - Music Fan
"It Feels So Real"
I didn't know what to expect from this CD, but the first song, "It Feels So Real", blew me away! The rest are great too, especially "Heart N' Soul", "If I Can't Have You", "Be All Mine" and "Little White Lies". The singer has a great voice and Mr. Monarch's writing and production are superb. I highly recommend this CD if you like Pop/R&B. Some great dance tracks too!........A music fan from California, USA
This CD was an unexpected surprise from a very talented "Hard Rock" guitarist. I LOVE the title track, "It Feels So Real"...WOW! A really haunting tune, and given a bit of luck and the right connection, this CD could be a radio smash hit! My other favorites are "Heart n' Soul" and "I'm Gonna Love You". YESSSS! Give a listen to this singer's oh-so-lusty sultry voice, and believe me, you won't be able to sit down while this CD is playing. If you can't dance, just jump up and down! Monarch's music is HOT!.....Gloria, Westlake Village, CA November 29, 2002 Absolutely incredible! The lyrics are beautiful. I can see it getting a lot of air time.......R.S. CA September 23, 2003
"MM3"
Michael, I waited a long time for this CD, and it WAS worth the wait !!!!! Please do NOT send any copies to Jeff Beck or Junior Brown, for fear that they will "Give Up" playing.........Brian Carrigan
This CD is awesome!!! A perfect example of a virtuoso guitar player’s ability to paint with a full pallet of sonic colors! How many players can pull off this kind of diversity? From Rock and Country pickin' to Blues and even some Latin tracks, it’s all there in MM3. This is guitar playing at it’s best!......Rick Waite, General Mgr. – West L.A. Music
Michael Monarch – MM3
Michael is a fine musician who controls his guitar sound with enviable technique. The riffs he plays are unique and often quirky but at the same time bluesy and soulful because of his emphasizes on tone and phrasing. “Pickin’ A Boogie” combines skill and originality, starting with clean country picking, morphing into bluesy slide, then turning into crazy all out rock and even a surprise left turn to some jazz scaling at the end. “Slide On Over”, the second tune on the CD, is as the title indicates a song that features electric slide guitar with heavy bombastic drums. There is some nice steel string acoustic guitar there too. The haunting “Softly She Came” has a beautiful melody played on classical guitar. There are a couple of stand out Latin inspired tunes, “Cubana” and “Amor Or Less”, also featuring nylon string acoustic guitar. “One Last Time” finishes the album with a simple tune that would be right at home in a movie soundtrack. Although Michael has drawn on some of the guitar greats for inspiration on this project, he has come up with something fresh and original that covers quite a lot of musical ground. This is an instrumental album with a great deal of quality played by an experienced pro. Highly recommended……..Mark Spiwak, #1 ProTools sales USA
THE NEW STUFF YOUVE BEEN RECORDING IS ABSOLUTELY FAN-FRIGGIN-TASTIC . GREAT MATERIAL!!......... Goldy McJohn - Steppenwolf
This is a guitar lovers CD with a great mix of music. Stylistically, the fully-instrumental album moves seamlessly through Rock, Latin, Country, and Jazz genres. The writing is strong throughout and the result is a collection of tunes that are unique and highly enjoyable. Standouts include "Pickin' A Boogie" which mixes boogie woogie piano with cleanly picked country guitar and a surprise ending, "Knee Slapper" an all out country pick-fest and the Latin influenced "Amor Or Less" and "Cubana" featuring acoustic guitar. By including Hammond organ on "Malibu Sunset", Michael has added some nice additional colors to the recording. To sum it up, this is a must get album which shows a dedication to quality music......Jeff Tranner - Rock Guitar Review, March 2006
"the Other Side of the Tracks"
Some guitar players know how to play all the notes - but Michael not only knows the notes, he knows where and when to play them. As a professional in the music business I don't get excited about every player I hear, but this cd pushes all the buttons! When I heard "Guitar Bazaar" I wondered how he would top it....well he has! I recommend "the Other Side of the Tracks" to any listener who wants to hear guitar playing at it's best....Rick Waite, Vice President & General Mgr. - West L.A. Music, Sept. 2002.
This cd opens up fast and hard with rockers like "Blow Out!" and the Near Eastern influenced "Back East" but don't think that is all there is. Monarch moves effortlessly into "When It Rains", which is an interesting mix of classically influenced new age jazz and then into the bluesy "Last Call". It's rare to find a guitar player who plays with great technical chops, yet maintains the soul of the music....... Ron Marzilli, ASCAP Songwriter You kick ass! I'm listening to your CD right now...again! AWESOME JOB.....Goldy Locks, recording artist
My CD's arrived today and I was surprised! I knew these CD's had to be pretty good because I know your an exceptional guitarist. But, pretty good was an understatement....,I was blown away! It's hard to pick a favorite between "Tracks" & "Bazaar", because their both really great.Man, I wish I could play guitar and write songs like that!!Jim Davenport - Dec. 9th, 2002
" Back East" got a lot of airplay here, after I played it for the first timemy people have requested it week after week. Talk to you soon.....Mark O'Neill - 103.7 3WAY-FM - August 25th, 2003 I'm a long time fan and musician myself. I ordered your cd and I'm very impressed with your playing! "The Other Side Of The Tracks" is superb. Anyone who's been a fan of Michael Monarch's musical journeys over the past 37 years would be foolish not to purchase this CD. It delivers on multiple levels - I never get tired of playing it.....Uncle Light & Rich M - Music Fans - July 8th, 2004 Greetings to Michael whose work I followed since the early Steppenwolf days and later on thru his work in Detective. I have discovered a new musical dimension with Michaels latest work on the other side of the tracks. Simply its an excellent display of musical moods and chords. Would be nice to have Michael visit Venezuela, not only for a concert but also to know the beauty of the country.Best to MichaelEdgar Arvay - Caracas, Venezuela Just wanted to let you know that I have been rocking to The Other Side of the Tracks...it is awesome! Looking forward to your next CD! C.W. - March, 2005
"Guitar Bazaar" Many "guitar-oriented" albums are released each year. Some are wimpy new-age efforts, others bluesy romps, recycling old licks 'til the cows come home. This is none of these - just a straight-ahead rock and roll whirlwind, moving effortlessly one tune to another, with major influences Jeff Beck and Albert King echoing throughout. Monarch, former lead guitarist for Steppenwolf, is an accomplished fret man, and he plays the majority of instruments on this outing. The tunes range from the subtle, moody "Black Satin Sheets" to "Technical Meltdown," which begins tongue-in-cheek, pastiching the faux-jazz that passes for music on our local station - very tasty, and quite aggressive. Monarch has an attack and control over tone seasoned by years of playing, and he's a joy to hear, whether playing forceful, crunchy rock ("Toastin' Jam") or something more playful and thoughtful ("Little Dreamer"). All in all, this outing is a delight forguitarlovers………. Stephan Patt, Vintage Guitar Magazine, May 2001
Drivin' Rhythm and Dynamic Guitar...Man, what an impressive instrumental release from this consummate rock guitar pro! Outstanding talent, production values and hot charts. Range of musical emotions is top-flight on this recording. Buy this CD!........the SpinDoctor@cdstreet.com WOW! I have to tell you that I think the cd is AWESOME! I was blown away by it. You are just plain on fire! Man, that stuff gets the juices flowin' pretty quick. Being a bass player, I LOVE stuff like that. Funk mixed with rock just gives you so much room to move as a bass player. Well, I just had to write and tell you how much I LOVE the disc. Don't worry, I'll be getting quite a few of my friends to listen to it..........Peter Tudisco, Nov. 2000
Just wanted to let you know that we sold all of the copies of yourGuitar Bazaar cd we bought from you and will need to get more in the nearfuture. It is a great cd if you ever record another solo disc send me anemail and we'll stock em'.....Steve Albanese, Two Guys Music, RI
Hello Michael. I bought both of your releases on the Baby. You blewme away! Just couldn't be more pleased. When can hungry fans expect a3rd? Can hardly wait! I wish you the greatest of success. Keep onrockin'. Sincerely, Robb B - Music Fan
"It Feels So Real"
I didn't know what to expect from this CD, but the first song, "It Feels So Real", blew me away! The rest are great too, especially "Heart N' Soul", "If I Can't Have You", "Be All Mine" and "Little White Lies". The singer has a great voice and Mr. Monarch's writing and production are superb. I highly recommend this CD if you like Pop/R&B. Some great dance tracks too!........A music fan from California, USA
This CD was an unexpected surprise from a very talented "Hard Rock" guitarist. I LOVE the title track, "It Feels So Real"...WOW! A really haunting tune, and given a bit of luck and the right connection, this CD could be a radio smash hit! My other favorites are "Heart n' Soul" and "I'm Gonna Love You". YESSSS! Give a listen to this singer's oh-so-lusty sultry voice, and believe me, you won't be able to sit down while this CD is playing. If you can't dance, just jump up and down! Monarch's music is HOT!.....Gloria, Westlake Village, CA November 29, 2002 Absolutely incredible! The lyrics are beautiful. I can see it getting a lot of air time.......R.S. CA September 23, 2003
