The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — Wyatt Michael plans to bring the sound of a Las Vegas or New York jazz club to the Historic Masonic Theatre, performing standards recorded by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Ray Charles.
In an interview with the Virginian Review, Michael said the upcoming performance will mix familiar favorites with songs some listeners may hear for the first time.
“I know the feeling of discovering a wonderful new song so if I’m able to share that feeling with someone in the audience with one of my song choices, that’s a win in my book!” Michael said.
Michael began playing and writing music with his brother before the two performed original songs in the rock band Chasing Avenir. The group played small bars around Fredericksburg before moving into larger venues.
His direction changed after hearing “Call Me Irresponsible” in the movie “Click.” That led him to Michael Bublé’s recording, followed by an introduction to Sinatra’s music through his mother.
Sinatra became his biggest musical influence, alongside Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday. Jazz’s instruments and melodies caught his attention, but the lyrics and storytelling held it.
“Very powerful melodies attached to universal, everyday thoughts we all share, I believe, was what really piqued my interest at first,” Michael said.
That interest led to his debut solo album, “Renaissance,” released in 2019. Working with guitarist Chris Whiteman, Michael recorded previously unreleased songs by composer David Mann with permission from Mann’s son and estate.
Michael later appeared on season 21 of NBC’s “The Voice,” turning the chairs of Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande during his blind audition before being eliminated in the battle rounds.
He credits the show with providing exposure and experience, though he said much of his growth has come from working with other musicians and continuing to study recordings.
Onstage, Michael puts his own stamp on standards through phrasing and the way he delivers each lyric.
“There’s an unlimited amount of ways a tune can be performed, so for me at least, this music never gets old,” he said.
His song choices balance audience expectations with material he enjoys singing and lesser-known selections he wants to share. Even a familiar song, he said, can take on a different meaning with each performance.
“The way one delivers a lyric, tells a story, invokes emotion during a tune can evolve and change each time the tune is performed.”
Wyatt will take the stage on Saturday, November 14 7pm, tickets are available online at historicmasonictheatre.com or by calling 540-862-5655.
