Michael Cartwright: Grace, Power, and Artistry
Mark diPiazza has been a powerful force behind the local music scene for decades, so when he said to me, “You’ve got to check out Michael Cartwright,” I did. Cartwright is the artist-in-residency, every 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, at diPiazza’s Restaurant. He’ll be there through April.
“Mark diPiazza gave me my start,” Cartwright recalled. “Back around 2000 or 2001, he gave my first band, Upstart, Tuesday nights at his bar. It was a great experience. Upstart is a seven-piece a band formed though some good friendships with other musicians. We played strong for years, doing original music and covers. We still a play on occasion, but we are more like ‘weekend warriors’ these days. Now, all of our lives went in different directions.”
Cartwright grew up with parents who both sang in their church choirs. His father could often be heard humming and singing tunes around the house.
“Music discovered me. In middle school it was required that all students be in the music program–an awesome model. I was given a trumpet, and it turned a very shy young boy into the outgoing man I am today.
“At that time I was living just south of Washington D.C. Then I moved to New Mexico for high school, where I did lots of school marching and jazz bands. After high school I moved to California to join a singing and dancing company called The Young Americans. That’s when I started singing.
“Young Americans have been around since the 1960s. It was an organization designed to show the power of positive and motivated youth. The Young Americans changed my life, and I am eternally grateful. They showed me that I have a beautiful voice, and a passion to love people. They gave me the gift of worldwide travel. I left high school to hop on a plane with them, and perform and teach in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and all over the US. Talk about a great gift to give a young person.
“We performed musical theater, current pop, classical choral music. Just about anything. Dancing was also important. We did tap, ballet, and hip-hop. Its an amazing organization. They really gave me a taste of all the performance arts, which is why I’m having so much fun with my current projects.”
Although Michael’s post-high school plan was to join the US Marines, his experience with the Young Americans inspired him to study jazz performance, and pursue a degree in Humanities with an emphasis in music, from USC.
“I went to college to get my degree and deepen my studies. I tossed around being a fire firghter for a time. But, when it all boiled down, I just dreamed of being a great musician, performing for packed houses and playing music so good it rips your heart out.
“I love the thrill of the stage. Its intoxicating. Something happened to me in my adolescent years. Like many other kids, the pressures of that time just made me crawl into a shell. Music in my life, and jumping on stage to share it, unlocks something magical. At times I even feel this tingly sensation. I can feel the energy of the air, the people, the vibration of the sounds. Being on stage releases all that passion that I hid from for so long. I’m constantly surprising myself with the things that happen on stage. I feel like a king. Now, that is how to live life!”
Cartwright has a terrific band, and their songs rest solidly in the pop world, but the music is filled with sophistication and subtlety.
“I find that the more facility I have in the way of skill and knowledge of my instruments, the more freedom I have to express, because then the only limitations are in my imagination! Its like a figure skater in the Olympics. The better they are, the more the grace, power, and artistry they exude.
“My music is a living thing. Every time I play, I’m stretching the limits. I never do a song exactly the same, live. I structure my music so I can constantly call the shots on stage.
“My name is on the marquee, but it is the sum of the whole! I get the best musicians I can find. [Bassist] Derrick Wong is a phenomenon. His tone and way of articulating notes is a unique thing of his own. When we are working on a tune I just say, ‘Derrick, do your Derrick thing,’ and let him figure out, organically, what to do. Usually, what he comes up with is way better then what I heard in my head. Great guy, that Derrick.
As an artist, Cartwright has felt loved and honored in Long Beach.
“It has a small town feel, with lots of room to stretch your arms. It is a beautiful oasis between ‘stuffy O.C.’ and the craziness of Hollywood. No matter where I travel, I hope to always have a place to hang my hat in Long Beach.”
Cartwright has ambitious plans for 2014.
“My goals for the next year are getting a solid studio record, getting air play on KCRW–I love that station–and finding a record label who believes in what I have to offer. My dream car is a Ferrari 328 from the late 80’s. When you see me driving down 2nd Street in that car, just know that my career is doing awesome.”
diPiazza’s Restaurant is located at 5205 East Pacific Coast Highway. Cartwright’s next performance is this Wednesday night, January 29, at 9:30PM. There’s a $5 admission charge. To learn more about the menu, and upcoming events, visit diPiazzas.com. To stay connected with Michael, follow him on facebook.
