About
Award-winning songwriter, guitarist and producer Michael StClair was born in the UK and moved to Toronto, Canada where he was able to hone his music skills through his many interactions with other talented artists. He now enjoys the West Coast life of Vancouver Island where he’s met other skilled artists – both local and international – who are also featured on his soon-to-be-released CD entitled Shining.
Michael’s music is a melting pot of smooth jazz integrating soul, blues and world music traditions. He describes his art as “Afro, soul, samba and jazz soundscapes coloured with my electric and acoustic guitars. The independent process of making my music has allowed me to share my creative energy directly from soul to soul.”
This world class entertainer has worked with a long list of talented artists including Paul Saunders, Micah Barnes, jacksoul, Elan Trotman, Percy Sledge, Ben E. King, Eddie Bullen, Ian Thomas, Etana, La Bomba, Erroll Starr, Del Shannon, Dianne Heatherington, The Coasters, The Drifters, The Crystals, The Presidents and Odaymara Pasa Kruda. He was also a prominent member of ’80s rock group The Extras and ’90s stalwarts the Arsenals.
Michael has produced releases for The Arsenals, Juno award winner Otis Gayle, J.V. Dixon, Kiran, Matt Maxwell, TV and radio jingles, and various demos and soundtracks. His top 10 hit co-write with Jacksoul (BMG) won him a SOCAN award in 2005.