"Music from the Edge Of Passion"
Welcome to the Official MICHAEL
LEE THOMAS
Home
page. Here you will find all the latest production and CD release info, along with
other updates regarding this exceptional New Age / Ambient / Jazz artist. A complete and extensive guide to the
continuing "Thermal
Romantic" musical adventure. Detailed artist history info and his complete
discography are available on the Michael Lee Thomas biography
page.
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Michael's first releases, available on CD and cassette are:
'Fresh
Out Of Nowhere' (1989), picked by Billboard magazine as one of the best New Age albums of
1989; 'Voyager: Grand Tour Suite' (1990), the musical soundtrack of NASA / JPL's
Grand Tour
mission and chosen as Monster Cable's New Age reference CD; 'Sleeper: Soundtrack To A
Dream'
(1990), a futuristic lullaby for the mind.
These CDs introduced Michael to the music world with fabulous critical and
public reaction. These CDs are available on-line at numerous web music sites
including Amazon.com.
Circumstances resulting from a disastrous hard rock
project in Texas and distribution contract problems put a
length of time between these initial album releases and the next product debut. Beginning in November
1992, he encased himself in his private studio and began honing his chops and
craft, prolifically composing, recording and developing himself extensively in the transition from
professional Drummer into professional Keyboard artist. Michael Lee's enthusiasm and confidence have always stayed strong. He has
weathered change and misfortune with the same patience and dedication he has had
from the start. Standing his ground and staying the course, Michael has
prevailed to continue the pursuit of a dream. But above all and most important, sharing with the
world his music, born heaven high and soul deep.
In May 1999, Michael Lee and Darksilver Records America (his own private label) released 'J'
& 'Project 7: Area 51', the first MICHAEL
LEE THOMAS
CD
projects in almost nine years. During the time out of the spotlight, Michael
spent seven and a-half years recording over 500 new digital cuts in his private studio,
Positive
Energy One. While also working on soundtrack production, Michael
re-fined his chops and re-entered the major musical arena with
fresh energy and focus. The new recordings featured a musical style developed
over that time which he
refers to as "Thermal Romantic." This musical flavor features elements of
Jazz, New Age, Fusion & Rock. The Seven and a-half year production
period was quite fruitful with music released on Five Michael Lee Thomas CDs and
Four Thrill Element CDs, between
May 1999 and June 2003.
Released in May
1999, the first CD since 1990, 'Project 7: Area 51' is a special concept CD. The initial tracks of
'Project 7: Area 51' were composed and
recorded in September & October 1994. The production was updated and re-mixed in March
1997 and features a New Age / Jazz Fusion feel. 'Project 7: Area 51' is a collaborative
effort uniting the talents of Michael Lee and Quathron-Zitheen, a visiting Antarian
musician from Tau Ceti 4. The artwork and liner notes contain unique, revealing photographs and text
concerning the Top Secret Air Force facility located at Groom Lake, Nevada, Quathron's
Earth home. The off-planet instruments and musical influences in mixture with Michael Lee's fluid jazz
textures, provides an adventurous & relaxing one-of-a-kind musical
experience.
Also released in May 1999, 'J', features primarily a
Smooth Jazz / Jazz Fusion mix.
This project is the definitive introduction of the "Thermal Romantic" style which Michael
Lee spent over seven years developing. Tasteful emphasis is placed on a strong
rhythm section complimented by New Age textures and Soundscapes. Both 'J'
and 'Project 7: Area 51', are available for sale on-line through CD Baby,
Amazon.com, The Orchard and Darksilver Records on-line ordering and other
internet music sites.
The next releases were 'Outlaws in Babylon' (2000); 'Predicting History' (2001); and 'Project 7: Tau Ceti 4' (2001). These CDs fully capture the depth and groove of the "Thermal Romantic" direction established by 'J' in 1999, and are available exclusively through Darksilver Records America. 'Project 7: Tau Ceti 4', is the part II continuation of the three part Project 7 saga, first introduced in 1999 with the release of 'Project 7: Area 51'.
Summer 2000, saw the debut of THRILL ELEMENT, the New Age / Ambient major side project of Michael Lee Thomas, featuring a more ethereal, Soundscape style. While a side effort, Michael is pursuing Thrill Element with full force and vigor. The project has been received with fantastic critical and public response. Now with Six CDs released and more to come, Thrill Element has established itself as a viable musical endeavor, with a fan base and following of it's own.
In Fall 2002, Michael Lee and Darksilver Records America embarked on the most adventurous release to date. A Four Disc, Four Volume theme CD set, released over a ten month period with a New CD issued every three months. This Limited Edition CD series features new and un-released "Thermal Romantic" material recorded in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Beginning in September 2002, 'Witches And Old Maids-East', made its debut. In December 2002, 'Witches And Old Maids-West', was released, with 'Witches & Old Maids-North', in March 2003, and 'Witches & Old Maids-South', the last in the set released in June 2003. The last 2 'Witches' CDs feature 6 newly recorded songs and 6 un-released songs from the MLT Digital Master vault, containing songs recorded between 1997 -2000. In all, the Four Volume CD series features 50 unreleased songs and unique themed artwork for each disc.
'Symptoms Of Reasons', the thirteenth Michael Lee Thomas CD featuring a fresh menu of "Thermal Romantic" music was released on-line in January 2006, on the MICHAEL LEE THOMAS Soundclick.com website. The Fifth Thrill Element CD 'Living Shadows', was also released on-line in January 2006, and is available along with 'Time Climate', at the THRILL ELEMENT Soundclick.com website. 'Thoughts Through Water', the Sixth Thrill Element CD, was released on-line May 29, 2007, on Soundclick.com and 'Contrast In Darkness', the Seventh CD is set for a late Summer 2008 debut.
'Evidence Of Memories', the Fourteenth Michael Lee Thomas CD was released on-line May 22, 2007, and the Fifteenth Michael Lee Thomas CD, 'Project 7: Infinite Tomorrow', the Third and final Project 7 disc to complete the CD trilogy, was released on-line May 27, 2008, on the Michael Lee Thomas Soundclick.com site. 'Home Away From Time' the sixteenth Michael Lee Thomas CD, is scheduled for a Fall 2008, debut on Soundclick.com.
In September 2006, Darksilver Records America and Michael Lee Thomas launched GRAVITY QUIET , a second major side project. This project will be focused and marketed solely in the Ambient / Electronica arena. Gravity Quiet features deep conceptual and complex arrangements. Michael refers to this new style as "Thought Breathing Music", Hauntingly Complex, Ambient Sounddreams. Music that is expansive, adventurous and evolving. 'Climbing Through A Fall', the debut CD was released on-line September 12, 2006, on the GRAVITY QUIET Soundclick.com website. The CD is currently available for purchase on-line, as well as selected individual mp3 cuts. A second CD, 'Under The Tree Of Secrets", was released on-line June 12, 2007, with both CDs scheduled for a full in-store release from The Orchard and CD Baby in the near future. The third Gravity Quiet CD 'Storms In Low Orbit ', is set for a Fall 2008 debut.
In Summer 2007, Darksilver Records America and Michael Lee Thomas launched TOM SLAYTON EFFECT, a third major side project featuring a unique Electro-Acoustic instrumental style. The debut CD 'Slide Show Dreams', was released on-line August 14, 2007, on the TOM SLAYTON EFFECT Soundclick.com site and other internet promotions. This project will showcase Soundscape Keyboard textures with a menu of Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Harp and Dobro. A Second CD, 'Water Crossing No. 3' , is slated for a late 2008, release.
Michael Lee Thomas CD's and music downloads are available worldwide on the internet from sites such as CD Baby and itunes. A search on Google or other search engines can provide you with the many websites featuring dowloadable cuts and/or CDs available for purchase.
The primary internet site for MICHAEL LEE THOMAS , THRILL ELEMENT GRAVITY QUIET and TOM SLAYTON EFFECT music is Soundclick.com, featuring custom designed artist pages, Message Boards, Artist Info and downloadable mp3s, including some 192K cuts. Numerous cuts from Michael Lee Thomas, Thrill Element, Gravity Quiet and Tom Slayton Effect have placed high in the Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Smooth Jazz, New Age and Ambient charts respectively. Currently, '"Long Good Crazy" from Michael Lee Thomas' 'Evidence Of Memories'(2007), is positioned high on the Jazz Fusion charts in. In 2005, the Michael Lee Thomas cut "Overpassion" (from 'Witches & Old Maids-West') reached #1 on the Soundclick.com - Jazz / Jazz Fusion Charts for the fourth time. In Fall 2003, "Two Moon Sunset" (from 'Outlaws In Babylon') reached #1 on the Jazz Fusion charts for the fifth time while remaining in the Top Fifty of the Soundclick.com - Jazz Charts for 38 Months.
Michael's home-based private production studio Positive Energy One was designed to allow for 24 hour access with full creativity from the Composition to the Mastering stage and to streamline the recording environment. Scheduled recording production in 2008, will again expand the menu of smooth Thermal Romantic Jazz / New Age instrumental music in the always growing Michael Lee Thomas Digital Master catalog. A collection now containing over 850 completed master recordings.
Since Michael's musical career originally began on the drums at age six, he has always kept that part of his musical heritage alive. Although circumstances and opportunities re-directed his focus to Keyboards and MIDI production, Michael has always featured his percussive influence in all his recorded efforts. While pursuing the serious Keyboard production aspect of his career, Michael Lee has made himself available for limited in-studio Drum & Percussion session work as well. In 2003, his very rare Ludwig- Clear Vistalite Octa-Plus (Circa 1974) drum kit, affectionately called "The Clear Chrome Forest", underwent careful and intensive restoration. The massive acrylic outfit is his prime weapon for any choice recording activities. ( The kit is currently featured in major photo spreads on www.vistalites.com and www.vistalitedrums.com ) Another Ludwig-Clear Vistalite kit, a custom studio set, expertly restored in 2004, by Kenny Verducci is also available for in-studio work as well. Keeping the door open for his Drum & Percussive abilities is a calculated and serious endeavor. As Michael Lee has said "I am at my best as a drummer and a pair of sticks are never too far away."
As you see, the dream is always on the horizon and Michael Lee heads forward into an exciting and hope filled future. Thanks to the many fans and loyal followers, Never Surrender! To continue to fight for a dream is the ultimate success! The Faith and stead-fast support of so many special people is sincerely and greatly appreciated and remembered.
* RealDream Productions
MICHAEL LEE THOMAS - Soundclick.com
"DREAMS NEVER RUN ON TIME, BUT ALWAYS ON SCHEDULE" - MLT 1989
"Loyalty is an individual decision of Courage, Betrayal is the anthem of Cowards." -MLT 1995
*SPECIAL THANKS*