Window On The West Performers

MIKE BLAIR

Biography
This Landmark, Manitoba cowboy likes to rope, ride and write good country music.  Mike Blair is a seasoned performer with many years experience in the music industry in Winnipeg.  From his studio work that earned Fresh I E a Grammy nomination (Truth is Falling in the Streets - Gospel Rock Album of the Year), to performing on stages throughout Manitoba and Ontario, Mike has had many opportunities to share his bluesy-country licks with people from all walks of life.  This spring marks the release of Mike's debut solo album featuring the Rafter B.  The release, which includes songs Mike has written about family, faith, and experience, is brought together with classic country guitar work.

Mike's diversity as a writer and player allows him to connect with people even if they don't wear a cowboy hat.  Songs from his upcoming release reflect this diversity as one song is capable of setting people two-stepping in a pub, while the next can be shared at church on Sunday morning.  Many of Mike's songs explore a deeper meaning to common situations.  Through Mike's past experience working with an array of artists and bands, Mike’s guitar playing has been heard on radio and television all over North America in the form of these other artists.

Mike's development as a cowboy singer/songwriter stems from a few years back, when Mike found himself working at Miracle Ranch just north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  His job description included: cleaning stalls, guiding trail rides and driving the team for sleigh rides.  He was really living his dream. The relationships established at Miracle Ranch allowed Mike the opportunity to become the resident "Singin’ Cowboy".  At the ranch Mike continues to hosts horse shows, and moonlight trail rides where he and ranch guests will sit around the campfire and sing songs until the wee hours of the morning.  These moonlight rides have played a key role in shaping Mike as a country music entertainer and writer.  This influence is clearly portrayed on Mike's forthcoming CD due out May 2009, on which many songs were crafted and arranged at these moonlight gatherings.

Whether it is playing just about any request, sharing funny stories or even a little cowboy poetry, Mike’s style of entertaining ranch guests transformed the way he performs on stage.

Mike’s influences range from cowboys Corb Lund, and Michael Martin Murphey to traditional pop country kings Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson.  Mike loves to share some songs by these well-known artists, and they are clearly influences as is seen in his writing of ballads, and up beat, light-hearted songs.

Going beyond just him and his guitar, early 2007 marked the formal awakening of Mike Blair and his band the Rafter B.  The Rafter B consists of top drawer musicians from the Winnipeg area.  The Rafter B adds a new element to the cowboy sound with experienced band leader Adam Young on guitar and mandolin.  The boys can entertain crowds with an hour of original music, or can get you to dance the night away with great country cover songs ideal for country fairs and socials.  The addition of the band formally extends the depth of the music Mike writes and performs, while keeping a keen eye on traditional country music.

Instrumentation
Mike is very versitle, and plays many shows on his own, but prefers to play with his band the Rafter B.  When the band plays, Mike plays accoustic and electric guitars, with help on the elecetric guitar and mandolin by the Rafter B's band leader Adam Young.  Rounding out the Rafter B is a series of high quality musicians who like to play hard and have fun whether on bass or on drums.  The Rafter B will play everything from covers sets to original sets, and often a little of both

Discography
Mike is set to release his first solo country album in May of 2009 title Alone Under the Stars

For further information: www.rafterb.net

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