What you get is an amalgamation of Americana, rife with elements of rock, soul, blues, country — and unbridled passion.

 

Meet the Band

Michael Olivieri, K.K. Martin, Buzzy James, Tom Croucier, Paul Wilson, Dan Lucett, Eric Von Herzen come together to create a unique style mixed with great songs and a strong vocal blend.

“…Rare is the opportunity of reinvention realized for any musician trying to keep his or her head above the torrential tides of trends, tastes and commercial afterthoughts. Still, pet projects get made, often sidelined, yet occasionally glimmering with hope and promise. Consider the case of Michael Olivieri, a man who cut his teeth in the 80s as the lead singer for Leatherwolf. Only recently has he shaken off the shackles of heavy metal to cut two records under his own name, 2009’s Goodbye Rain and 2011’s M.O.B. — short for the Michael Olivieri Band.

He explained that after spending 25 years in Leatherwolf, he never got the chance to do what he does — which, if you listen to Goodbye Rain, is to throw caution to the naysayers and indulge in a myriad of musical styles. “It’s a record without a direction,” he told me. M.O.B. rolls with a similar attitude, assuming a steadier stance and better production value. What you get is an amalgamation of Americana, rife with elements of rock, soul, blues, country — and unbridled passion.

Rounded out by drummer Paul Wilson, bassist Tom Croucier and acoustic guitarist, keyboardist and back-up vocalist Dan Lucett, the band is brimming with talent and chemistry. All of which accounts for why M.O.B. is a refreshing reminder of how simple, effervescent tomes, in the right hands of the right players, will never fall out of style. For someone like Michael Olivieri, doing what he really wants to do outside of what he’s become known for, what else could be more gratifying?”

From the Interview with Shawn Perry, VintageRock.com