3 minute read
Bassist Michael Haggins
from June-July 2018
Michael Haggins In The Spotlight
By Ken Capobianco
Bass player and songwriter Michael Haggins has experienced plenty of success since he stepped out into the spotlight with a solo career after years working as a sideman for a broad array of pop and funk artists. His song “Daybreak,” the title track from his solo debut in 2004, became a popular sensation thanks to its recurring appearance on the hit NBC comedy series “Community.” His work has also been featured in films and numerous other television shows, including “Happy Endings” and most recently, “Fresh Off the Boat.” Now, on the heels of his fourth album, Dare to Dream, the smooth jazz musician is ready to take his career to the next level. A dexterous bass player with a keen ear for melody, Haggins is primed to break out to larger commercial success and bigger stages.
Dare to Dream, which featured guitarist Adam Hawley on the album’s best track, “World of Dreams,” was not just an excellent showcase for the bassist’s skills and fine songwriting; the music and spirit of the album captured the very essence of Haggins’ journey as a musician. “I’ve always wanted to make music and be a musician. Dare to Dream is like my life story,” the Pasadena, California, native said recently. Michael Haggins Band (left to right): Gary Metz, J. Michael O’Neal, Michael Haggins and Lance Beckford
“I’ve been playing in bands since the great funk band era, and I’ve been in bands with Robbie Nevil back in the day, so music has been in my blood. “I’ve always been following a dream and challenging myself to make the best music I can while creating music people can connect to. I’m a spiritual man and I want to do something great for God.”
Dare to Dream is the record that solidified his place as a smooth jazz songwriter and performer to be reckoned with. Haggins and his band,
which includes J. Michael O’ Neal on keyboards, Lance Beckford on drums, and Gary Metz on saxophone, are a tight unit that can cross genres and funk things up if they need to. “These are some of the best musicians out there,” Haggins said of his band members. “We’re hot and good to go, so we’re looking for all the opportunities we can get. I think now is our time.” Thanks to the exposure of “Daybreak” on “Community,” which brought him a large following of millennials (a rarity for a smooth jazz artist) and the media placement of his other songs, Haggins’ music has already touched many lives. It’s those kinds of connections that validate his life’s work. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been contacted by people who have children with cancer or other problems and they tell me, ‘I listened to your music, and it’s given me peace of mind or the hope to keep fighting,’” he said. “That’s so special. I know I’ve been given a gift, and before my time is up, I’m going to do all I can to give back to the world.” Haggins, who is prepping his new record, knows his music is making a difference, and he’s on the cusp of something special. “I was gigging in Marina del Rey one time, and my son told me there was someone who wanted to introduce himself to me. The guy says, ‘I’m Berry Gordy. I was walking by and heard you and thought ‘Hey, who is that?’” Haggins recalled. “He said ‘You sound like another James Jamerson up there.’ That was so inspiring, and I knew right there I was doing something right.” To book Michael Haggins, email hagginsmichael@gmail.com. For more information on Haggins or to listen to his music, visit www.michaelhaggins.com. Advertorial
