Reviews of Michael Stadler's music

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"Stadler is a Bay Area multi-instrumentalist whose CD looks and sounds like the work of an acoustic veteran rather than a debut release. Tastefully mixing elements of folk, old timey, bluegrass and a respectful dash of classic country to make a unique blend that's fits as comfortably as a well-worn pair of jeans. His smoky voice exudes a humble confidence, going from a soft whisper to a moaning wail. The title and a few of the songs pay homage to his northern Michigan roots where they have real winters. Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum help out on a few tracks and Jon Mitguard adds some fine steel. The bottom line is always the songs and I like the mix here- a few instrumentals, some nice originals, Nick Lowe's “Rose of England” and an obscure Buck Owens tune all combine to make it a great ride. He closes with a cool triple fiddle tune “Chop Another Cord” (all played by Stadler) that is a highlight." Bill Frater Freight Train Boogie

"Clawhammer * is an old-time banjo picking style, but over the last 25 years a few adventuresome guitarists have adapted the thumb-based technique to the six-string box. This collection features 13 clawhammer solos by Steve Baughman, Jody Stecher, Michael Stadler, and Alec Stone Sweet and is billed as the first full album devoted to the style. Because of the guitar's greater resonance, playing it clawhammer fashion often results in an airier sound than that of the open-backed banjo. Thus Stone Sweet's "Shady Grove" feels more explorative and less solemn than the typical old-time rendition of this standard. Stadler's original "Dogs in the Creekbed/Gator in the Lap Lane" is a haunting, rhythmic tour de force. There's no telling where clawhammer guitar technique will go from here, but these musicians have set the bar high." *Wikipedia Clawhammer discussion
" Ian Zack Acoustic Guitar Magazine (Third entry down)

"…an East Bay bluegrass stalwart known for his tasteful and restrained musicianship." Nearly Beloved CD review

"Michael Stadler has the voice of a very loud, articulate angel. He’s a master interpreter with a beautiful voice, a thoughtful and humorous songwriter. And he’s an accomplished and sophisticated player of just about anything with strings. A total pleasure. Don’t miss him!" Mary Tilson KPFA 94.1

"...all-round musician Michael Stadler (one hell of a country singer)." Laurie Lewis, SF Bay Area bluegrass musician

"...a typically eclectic set on any number of instruments; he’s one of those musicians who believes you don’t have to be flashy to be good — and he’s much better than good." Larry Kelp East Bay Express

"Stadler's original "Dogs in the Creekbed/Gator in the Lap Lane" is a haunting, rhythmic tour de force." Acoustic Guitar magazine