Michael Vincent Liuzza

Ones to Watch: Michael Liuzza

BY BRIAN SERPAS

Music is a universal language, or as Michael Liuzza puts it: “It’s a seven continent language.” I’ve thought about this since my conversation with him last month. Both of these ideas mean the same thing but I think I like the way Liuzza states it better. That’s because he’s a down to earth kind of guy. He’s a true New Orleans musician. The type of player who’s good enough to present his music to an audience, but still humble enough to talk with respect to a stranger, a player who knows the relationship between his ear and voice, and knows when something is or isn’t his business. I like that. Michael Liuzza and his band are starting to make their rounds in the city, as well as nationally and internationally. And as far as his wording of the language of music goes, it’s not because he’s different but because he’s got a plan.

You may presume that the Michael Liuzza in this interview is connected to the famous eatery by the track. Michael gave me a quick explanation to a question he knew was coming, “It’s the family we don’t see at Christmas.” That’s because Michael isn’t part of that section of the two generations of Liuzzas that ascended here from Palermo, Sicily. He doesn’t mind, though, because instead of having a family with roots in the restaurant business, he inherited the gift of music. “My Mom and Dad met playing music in the French Quarter,” he says. “Mom was a singer and my Dad was, and still is a piano player and song writer.” Michael’s inheritance of music genes isn’t the only reason he’s got skill. His part of the work came from his time spent at LSU. Having a minor in vocal studies to his major in communications proved to be an important part of his future: “Operatic singing changed my life. I wasn’t the best sight reader so I had to push my ear to keep up with the other vocalists. It also taught me to smooth out our Germanic language which has helped with how I sing my lyrics.” Michael’s band even plays a few tracks in their set that his Father wrote. Michael’s style is a bit like his Dad’s, using blues chords and fills on the keyboard and a soulful vocal style. His band is playing around town often, and they enjoy the exposure. As many as six continents have heard their music, but it isn’t about ego, he says. “It aint about me, it’s about being a part of it. In this digital age we’ve been able to get our music out to six continents. Antarctica is next.”

The Michael Liuzza Band is a tight four-piece group, all of whom are close friends. Anthony Knighten is on drums and has been a friend of Michael’s since high school. Knighten tightened his skills playing drums in the Archbishop Shaw Band.

Andrew Davis plays guitar and is originally from Norwalk, Connecticut. Andrew’s mother is an accomplished pianist and vocalist, talents she passed on to her son. Andrew’s first instruments were trumpet and piano and he eventually picked up guitar by age eleven. He moved to Baton Rouge at an early age and is now on track to make Michael Liuzza a household name. Nick Bernard plays bass and is also the producer of the band. A Baton Rouge native, Bernard went from doing mission work in Southern Mexico to becoming a family man. His production of the band takes place at Studio Seven 17, in Baton Rouge.

In addition to seeing his band, you may also see Michael on TV. He has been an extra on The Green Lantern as well as the new series Memphis Beat. On Memphis Beat Michael played a musician enjoying some barbeque at a restaurant on the river. It was a fun experience for him and a way to continue being noticed. “Anytime they need a sweaty New Orleans boy to play a musician in a movie scene, I’m in,” he says. But when it comes down to it, “music for life” is a feeling the man will continue to have as long as he can play and perform.

The band recently performed in the battle of the bands at the Howln Wolf. I would recommend seeing the group to get a good idea of what an up and coming New Orleans band sounds like. Having a blues sound makes them a perfect representation for our city, and since these fellas are a younger group they keep the set energetic and fun. And besides the aesthetic that comes with being a younger band, these guys are good-hearted southern gentlemen. Over all, the Michael Liuzza Band is a great addition to our heritage. They play regular gigs at The Old Point Bar at Algiers point so check them out for a true New Orleans experience.