Michael Lee Thomas

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 Heralded Technical / Power Drummer turned 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.

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' (1999) is a special concept CD. The initial tracks 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. The concept project 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' (1999) and 'Project 7: Area 51' (1999), are available for sale on-line through CD Baby, Amazon.com, The Orchard and other internet music sites, or through Darksilver Records. 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'.

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.

In January 2006, 'Symptoms Of Reasons', the thirteenth Michael Lee Thomas CD featuring a fresh menu of "Thermal Romantic" music was released on-line on the MICHAEL LEE THOMAS - Soundclick.com website, and 'Evidence Of Memories', the Fourteenth Michael Lee Thomas CD was released on-line May 22, 2007. 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, and 'Home Away From Time', the sixteenth Michael Lee Thomas CD, was released on-line December 1, 2009, on Soundclick.com. The Seventeenth CD, 'Resting Vertical' , is slated for Fall 2010, and the Eighteenth, 'Dreams In Harvest' , scheduled for sometime in 2012.

In Summer 2000, Darksilver Records America and Michael Lee Thomas launched THRILL ELEMENT, his First major side project featuring a an ethereal, New Age / Ambient / 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. The debut CD 'Navadeen Protocol', was released in early 2000, followed by 'Surreal Dream' in 2001, 'Chasing Light', in 2002 and 'Time Climate' in 2003. The Fifth Thrill Element CD 'Living Shadows', was released on-line in January 2006, and 'Thoughts Through Water', the Sixth Thrill Element CD, released on-line May 29, 2007. 'Contrast In Darkness', the Seventh CD was released November 18, 2008, and The Eighth CD 'Fountain Of Skies', was released December 8, 2009, with the Ninth CD, 'Echo Breathing' , slated for a Fall 2010 release. 'Ghosts Calling Softly'', the Tenth CD is slated for sometime in 2012. All the on-line releases are available on the THRILL ELEMENT Soundclick.com music site. Now with Eight CDs released and more to come, the project has established itself as a confident and and viable musical endeavor!

In September 2006, Darksilver Records America and Michael Lee Thomas introduced GRAVITY QUIET , a second major side project. This project will be focused and marketed solely in the Soundscape / Ambient Jazz 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, and The Third Gravity Quiet CD 'Storms In Low Orbit ', was released on-line March 17, 2009. The Fourth CD, 'Visions and Other Times', is scheduled for a Fall 2011 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 / New Age Blues instrumental style. The debut CD 'Slide Show Dreams', was released on-line August 14, 2007, on the TOM SLAYTON EFFECT Soundclick.com site. This project will showcase Soundscape Keyboard textures with a menu of Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Harp and Dobro. The Second CD, 'Water Crossing No. 3' , was released on-line December 15, 2009, with a Third CD, 'Two Hats One Shoe', scheduled to debut Fall 2011.

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 music 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 192K and 320K cuts. Numerous cuts from Michael Lee Thomas, Thrill Element, Gravity Quiet and Tom Slayton Effect are currently on and have placed high in the Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Smooth Jazz, New Age and Ambient charts respectively. 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 48 Months!

Michael's home-based private studio Positive Energy One is a State of the Art, MIDI-Production facility, designed to allow for 24 hour access with full creativity from Composition to Mastering. The room serves as a fully functional streamlined recording environment. Scheduled recording production in 2010, 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 900 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 always made himself available for Limited In-Studio Drum & Percussion session work as well. His primary Kit is a very rare, completely restored, Ludwig-Clear Vistalite Octa-Plus (Circa 1974) drum set, affectionately called "The Clear Chrome Forest". The massive acrylic outfit is his choice weapon for any select 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. Keeping the door open for his Drum & Percussive abilities is a 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."

In May 2010, Michael Lee Thomas, Mark Sorrels and Gary Grice announced the launching of a Progressive Hard Rock Project reuniting the Three former members of Blackstone and Bass Guitarist Mike Lee Payne. The selected Project/Band name is JUST PAST TOMORROW, and the group will be designed to be a Power Four-piece. The band is about to begin rehearsals and pre-production for the intensive debut CD titled 'Shadow of the Stone' , scheduled to be released sometime in 2011, and also preparing for future LIVE performances! The project marks a Serious return to the Rock arena for Michael Lee and the reunion with his former Band-mates has generated a unique and spontaneous yet familiar creative energy! JUST PAST TOMORROW will be coordinated through RealDream Productions and released through Darksilver Records America . More Details to Follow Soon!

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.

"Loyalty is an Individual Decision of Courage, Betrayal is the Anthem of Cowards." -MLT 1995

L.L. Tommy Thomas / Shasta Thomas / Whit White- ^mATTOID^ Productions / sPLURge- Warped Productions / Matt Hall / Andy Youell - Vistalites.com / Kenny Verducci - Vistalitedrums.com / Monster Cable / Michael Eads and Sweetwater Sound / Shawn & Staff - Guitar Center (Amarillo) / Larry McKeska and Le Cover / Ken J. Gerdes / Vess Barnes III / Dink & Barb Wilcox / Dustin Downing / Casey Downing(DC288)