If anything, The Michael Stanley Band was not simply a group of musicians who happened to become the biggest rock and roll show in Northeastern Ohio, and one of the most promising bands to hit American airwaves during the 70's/early 80's, but a collection of friends who shared mutual and musical aspirations...That the band survived--in fact, thrived--for more than a decade, perhaps best exemplifies the tried and true formula for success in the constantly-changing and fickle-minded world of rock and roll: faith, perseverence and friendship.
For several years after The Michael Stanley Band announced its formal 'dissolution' in 1986, the members frequently assembled (in various line-ups) for Northern Ohio 'reunion' concerts that never failed to 'fill the house'...The 'faith' was always there, though MSB, as a 'rock 'n' roll contender', had 'retired' from the proverbial 'ring'...
It was only a matter of time before the continuing friendships between Michael Stanley and his musical bandmates evolved, again, into projects that would take them past their studio endeavors and reunion concerts, formally reuniting them in several incarnations....
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Jonah Koslen's muse had seen him in several 'post MSB' efforts, among them his bands, Breathless, and Jonah Koslen & The Heroes, as well as an ongoing involvement in the creative and high-tech field of Multimedia---and, of course, he was an integral player in many of the special MSB reunion concerts...
Bob Pelander's muse had accompanied him into the studio, where he continued to hone his skills as a musician AND a producer/engineer, and he has remained a constant and collaborative force in Michael Stanley's studio and stage pursuits... |
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Michael Stanley had allowed his musical inclinations to encompass stages other than those of rock and roll landmarks such as the Coliseum, The Agora, Nautica: his muse saw him become one of the biggest local celebrities in radio and television, from his high-profile co-hosting of "PM Magazine" to his current acclaim in radio as WNCX/Cleveland's Classic Rock station's hottest DJ/spokesperson, and, of course, his faith in the music was stronger than ever; he continued to write, perform, create---the music was a part of him, and he was a part of the music...
It was shortly after one of the 'final' MSB 'goodbye' concerts, in 1992, that Michael Stanley broached the idea to Jonah Koslen, and a decision was made to bring to life a project they had been discussing for quite some time... |
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 This project became The Ghost Poets, a name Michael and Jonah came up with, curiously enough, via a Bob Dylan quote, and which brought Bob Pelander, and Jennifer Lee, a talented area vocalist who had contributed to many of the 'post MSB' stage and studio performances (as well as providing back up vocals and harmonies on Jonah Koslen & The Heroes' "Aces" album), together with Michael and Jonah...Veterans and alum Tommy Dobeck, Rodney Psyka, Sasha, to mention just a few, were among those completing the roster...New material was created, a new---yet hauntingly familiar---'sound' resulted, playing off the stellar talents...
Only months, it seemed, after the welcomed re-issue of The Michael Stanley Band catalog by Razor & Tie Records (headed by long-time MSB fan, Cliff Chenfield), something NEW had arrived on the scene: loyal MSB fans were ecstatic, and new fans were won, at 1994's eponymous release by The Ghost Poets... |
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Ask Michael: MSBB@aol.com Info: jipsi@yahoo.com