moorafa@mindspring.com

I have performed in the Seattle area with "Uncle Ed's Molassas Jam", "Little Russell", "Holly Figureoa", "Sweet Tweety", and "Jake Tompson". I have played at the "Scarlett Tree Blues Jam" and other area Blues Jams. In Canada I have played with "Allison Hogan", "Bruce Rathie", "Ken Hamm", "Jim Dix", "Tom Thompson" and the "MoonHogs".

My big thrill of the year so far, has been sharing the stage with the "Raging Grannies".

Michael Guthrie's CD "Conscious Collective" is a stellar collection of real musicianship. He delves into blues, folk and rock and makes the listener think. This is what creative music is all about."The Upper Room with Joe Kelley" Joe Kelley, WVOF 88.5 fm.

"Michael Guthrie's CD "Conscious Collective" has everything a music afficionado would want.
The tunes carry you from blues to rock to jazz. You heard "The parts are greater than the whole" it applies in this case! The thoughtful lyrics demonstrate Michael's social involvement and sharp intelect...For an example listen to "Military Coup" on the jukebox!Estheticaly pleasing packaging as well. What more could I say about it? A 21st century version of the 60's? Yes! At the risk of sounding clicheed I dare say the tracks just keeps you listening til the end.The varied sound texturing coupled with that firm unwavering voice just nails every track right on! Like a master carpenter driving a nail with one blow! I give this CD a strong 4 1/2 microphones"
Claude Gagne Claude Gagne of K.L.O.D. Music eZine, "Master poet, creator and host of his most exceptional eZine"
Also - See Claude Gagne Interview and my tune "Military Coup" on Claude's JukeBox.
Hear the Interview.

"The aptly titled 'Conscious Collective' by Michael Guthrie is one of those rare gems that would (and should) fit anyone's music collection. The pervading transcendent spirit underlying each track acts as a soothing magic carpet connecting a multi-styled soundscape of dynamic textures, ideas and groove, with the thread of his broad soft pallette. Guthrie's versatility and musical wisdom are equally reflected in songs; sometimes provocative, sometimes universal. Throughout is a voice of conscience, depth and healing.
Sonic Pleasure! I think I'll ask him to produce my next album!"
Kurt Myhaver - All Day Productions - "Host of the Hopvine Songwriters Showcase"

“On Conscious Collective, Seattle's Michael Guthrie provides us with more than just an eclectic mix of folk, blues and jazz. Whether commenting on US foreign policy, as in Military Coup, or talking about relationships as in Love Me Like a Friend, Guthrie's passion for his fellow man shines through. His guitar playing is superb throughout. He can switch from one guitar style to another with little effort. Check out the jazzy stylings of Bloom'n and the steel sounds on Look'n at the World. MichaelGuthrie has produced a CD that is both entertaining and thought provoking. I'm glad somebody is still doing that”.
Jim Dupuis - CFBX 92.5 FM (theX) Host of “Jazz Notes with Jim”

MICHAEL GUTHRIE: CONSCIOUS COLLECTIVE
.... This is Michael’s debut release and the songs were written over a span of 23 years. He has a relaxed, folksy style that incorporates jazz and blues into the mix and his lyrics run from playful to social to deeply personal. Most of the lyrics are clever and interesting with unique thoughts and phrasings. "Green Tree" is mildly vacuous but it is the exception. Michael is a very talented musician playing acoustic and electric guitars, fretless and fretted electric bass, lap steels, synthesizers. ... James Rodgers – Victory Music "The Victory Review Acoustic Music Magazine"

THANKS MIKE for your great music yesterday!! the music really helped pull all of ustogether. would you be willing to sing at upcoming rallies and vigils? please stay in touch with us Vic. Ballard Peace Activists

Moorafa is a word which I made up as a name for one of my instrumental works on the CD. "Moor" is from the word moorish (the Moors from Africa) and "afa" is some of the letters from the word Africa.

Pictures at: "My America" and with the "Tom Thompson Trio" in the "Kaslo Jazz Etc.Festival" .

My musical influences are: Folk, Jazz, Blues, Pop, Flamenco, Country and Rock etc. I like most forms of music, as long as it comes from the heart.

I like to explore different instruments, as well as different styles, which led me to perform all the instruments on this CD. I also couldn't afford to pay other musicians.

I have helped many musicians in my travels. I ran a coffee house in British Columbia, (the Village Green Cafe' '73 - '79), with my late wife, Darelyn Guthrie. I was also the founder of the "Langham Cultural Society" in Kaslo, B.C., which for 26 years now, has operated a music venue which originated in the Village Green Cafe'.