Local Spotlight On…Michael Reno Harrell
The following column will appear in the November 2006 edition of Gaston Alive:
Michael Reno Harrell is a storyteller first, and perhaps a musician second. Both skills are great by themselves, but when Michael melds them together, he offers a snapshot of life into each and every one of his songs.
Michael says he drives for living, and rewards himself by making music. Our reward is the stories and images he takes with him along the way.
A Tennessean by birth, and now a North Carolinian by choice, Michael takes up residence in Burke County, NC. However, some would say his true residence is in his car traveling all around playing his music for people he meets along the way.
Enter his brand new release Drive (Dancing Bear Records), Michael reminds us that this thing we call life is a journey, and if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you’ll miss the best parts. Maybe that’s what Michael does for us. His music forces us to stop and appreciate this ride we call life.
Michael tells us that songs are everywhere. They are found on cold East Tennessee mornings, in old trucks, in dreams, and lastly - blowin’ in the wind. In a world where everyone’s patience is at an all-time low, and busyness pervades our lives, Michael just so happens to be the medicine we need to help us stop and reflect upon the journey of life.
Michael’s medicine doesn’t require an extensive health insurance plan or tons of money in your bank account. All it requires is that you enjoy great stories and music and the willingness to stop to appreciate “the drive”.
