Michael Engberg
Michael Engberg is an original, insightful, energetic and humorous songwriter and a fine fingerstyle guitarist as well. His own songs are eclectic Americana, with elements of folk, country, rock, blues, jazz and more wedded together into a single style that is recognizably his own. He has travelled throughout the United States, performing and writing. He has also studied composition and has earned a master's degree along the way. For the past several years he has been an instructor at Arapahoe Community College.
Although Michael has spent the vast majority of his adult life playing music, at various times he has been a factory worker, a short-order cook, a "live" mannequin (for a business convention), a singing gorilla (for a singing telegram company), a Christmas tree salesman and more. These experiences, and the people he has met, have found their way into his songs and stories.
Associated Activities: Recording Engineer, Concert Promoter, Host of Open Stages for new talent, Lecturer on Songwriting and Music Business, College Instructor and a Private Teacher on Guitar, Theory and Composition, and Improvisation.
Award: 1989 Winner of Newfolk Songwriting Competition Kerrville Folk Festival, Texas.
Quotes of Note:
Out of a field of nearly 500 entries, two of his songs earned (Engberg] national recognition at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas...Part of surviving as a solo artist is the ability to do a wide variety of material... while earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in composition, Engberg studied mostly jazz and classical music. His training in composition helps him do what he likes best: writing songs. ...his roots remain in folk music. It addresses the common experience of the masses. It's much simpler, much more direct type of music.
--Dave Reese, Bigfork Eagle, Bigfork, Montana
Michael Engberg brings to the Denver music scene a very rare gift--the art of storytelling...Each song takes the listener on a journey of imagination and wit. His lyrics are fresh and unexpected. His ability to capure human nature, at best, will leave you wanting more. No music lover should miss the opportunity to see themselves through another's eyes and smile.
--Pattiblue A Hicks, Songwriter, Denver, Colorado
Singer-songwriter (Michael Engberg) has a nice voice and a way with easy-going melodies. The lyrics tend toward the [poetry that] folk lovers clutch to their bosoms.
--Michael Roberts, Westword, Denver, Colorado
It is extremely important that the musician adapts to the particular concept in which he is surrounded. Michael builds up...while he entertains...l recommend Michael Engherg highly....
--ScottAllen, owner, Scott's of Shelter Cove
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Last year at the Kerrville Festival, Engberg sold himself with his original material.
--Mike McInally, The Missoulian
Missoula, Montana
[Michael Engberg] wrote the kinds of protest songs I hadn't heard in twenty years. They were better, in fact....A lot of talent.
--Mort Rosenblum, Associated Press
from his book, "Back Home"
Engberg is at his best...when he's simply writing songs. The deserving winner of the Newfolk Songwriting competition...Engberg documents his gifts on a new CD called "The Way of The Wild Heart"....[His] compositions actually belong ...with the recordings of Jimmy Buffett, Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg, and Nancy Griffith....Engberg could wind up as a Nineties Jimmy Webb or Kris Kristofferson.
--Linda Gruno, Westword, Denver, Colorado