Michael Blair, a distinguished American percussionist, has had the extraordinary good fortune of collaborating with an impressive array of highly respected and renowned musicians, including the illustrious Elvis Costello, whose unique blend of punk, new wave, and pub rock has captivated audiences worldwide, the enigmatic and innovative Tom Waits, known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to music, the iconic and influential Lou Reed, whose work with the Velvet Underground helped shape the course of rock music, and the celebrated and versatile T-Bone Burnett, who has worked with a wide range of artists across multiple genres, to name just a few.
Born into a family with a strong military background, Blair's early life was characterized by a constant state of transition, as his family relocated numerous times throughout the United States, a nomadic existence that would shape his formative years in profound ways. This unpredictable upbringing, marked by frequent changes of scenery and environment, had a lasting impact on his musical preferences, which were significantly influenced by his parents' impressive collection of 1960s popular music and rock 'n' roll records.
Blair's groundbreaking percussion techniques significantly contributed to the distinct sonic identity of Tom Waits' highly acclaimed album Rain Dogs, a true testament to his remarkable artistic prowess and adaptability as a musician, allowing him to seamlessly integrate his unique style with the eclectic musical landscape of the album, resulting in a sound that was both innovative and timeless.
