The fifth track on Michael W Smith's Glory album.

The Blessing

Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Fender Bass, Lead and Backing Vocals.

I Lead the band from the back. That's what I do.

Until I come out front. Then it's fireworks.

Arranger: Chorus & String Arrangements, Back Beats, Drums & Percussion

I'm a trap player, locked in with the drummer. That's were I live. 

In tandem with the drummer; following his moves, and him following mine. 

Always with the trap. In, on and around the trap. Yeah. 

i set up on the drummer's left, so we face each other when he's playing on his high-hat (sock cymbal).  

In synch with the drummer and his hi-hat. Playing "on the hat." 

Studio Musician, Session Player, Recording Artist. Band Leader, Sideman. Recording and Music Production.

Composer, Arranger, Music Theory Instructor, Charting, Orchestration and Scoring Instrumental Parts.

Session Musician for Last Minute Jam Productions and Regular Member of "The Bunker Band & Studio Crew at Geo Sound Studios, Philadelphia, PA.  

Arrangements for Last Minute Jam Productions. Geo Sound

Recorded with Tacony Eloi Good Karma Band.

Played with Skip Denenberg.
Performed at JC Dobbs. Prism Concert Release.

Recorded backing guitar and vocal tracks for local bands, vocalists and many different and varied musical artists over the many years.  

Played and Recorded with The Shy Dogs (Shy Dog Productions). Played John & Peter's, New Hope, PA.

Played and Recorded Live with Razz-Ma-Tazz. Velvet Lounge, Philadelphia, PA.

Recordings:

Last Minute Jam, Volume 1. 

No. 19. Roman: Go Away. All Guitars Played by Mike, and include:

Gibson D-50 Acoustic, Fender Telecaster, Rickenbacker 12-String & Gibson Les Paul Gold Top (with P-90 Humbuckers).

Last Minute Jam, Volume 2: Minutes To The Millennium.

No. Belmont Plateau: Written & arranged by Michael Stella. Produced by George Manney for LMJ  Productions.

Season's Greetings Philadelphia. Gibson SG Custom, Fender Telecaster and Rickenbacker 12-String  played by Mike.

No Electric Guitars. Acoustic & Electric Guitars played by Mike. 

Additional Recording and Live Music Arrangements & Productions by Michael Stella, for StarSongs Music, Bensalem, PA).

Saxton Road: "Love Always"
(unreleased cd).

Music produced by Bob  Schneider and Mike Stella. 
Saxton Road is Robert Schneider & Michael Stella. 

Music written and recorded early summer through late autumn, 1998. Final Mixing, November 1998.

All tracks produced and 
recorded at Saxton Sound Studio, Philadelphia PA. 

Produced by Robert Schneider and Michael Stella.
 
Michael Stella:

Gibson ES-345, Gibson Les Paul, Gibson J-45 Acoustic.
Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster. Sigma Electric/Acoustic Guitars. 

Rob Schneider:

Yamaha Electric Piano, Roland D-50 Synthesizer and Electronic Keyboards, Synthesizer Bass &  Electronic Drums.

Saxton Road Bio: 

Instrumental jazz fusion ensemble that always brings an eclectic mix of alternative, jazz, soul, funk, fusion & contemporary.

Saxton Road: Live Always.
(unreleased cd).

Song Titles, Writers & Track Listings:

1. People Make The World Go Round. 7:35 (T. Bell & L. Creed).

2. Winelight, featuring Dick Noble, Alto Saxophone. 6:11 (W. Eaton).

3. You And Me. 4:54
(D. Kuramoto). 

4. Chicago Song. 5:59 
(M. Miller). 

5. Love Always. 5:17 
(B. Roberts -B. Bacharach- C. Bayer-Sager) 

6. For The Love Of You 8:41 (Arrington-Isley-Isley-Isley-Isley-Jasper-Isley).

7. Song For Shea, featuring Michael Quaranto, Yamaha SPD-1 7:53 (M. Stella). 

8. Since I Lost My Baby. 7:56 (W. Robinson, Jr & W. Moore).

9. One Thousand Days 5:19 (B. White)

10. People Make The World Go Round (alt. keyboard mix. All instruments played 
by Rob Schneider). 5:29 
(T. Bell & L. Creed).

11.Love Always (Solo Guitar Mix). 5:29 (B. Roberts -B. Bacharach- C. Bayer-Sager) 
 
12. For The Love Of You (extended mix). 9:49 (Arrington-Isley-Isley-Isley-Isley-Jasper-Isley).

13. Song For Shea 7:57 (alt. mix, Bob Schneider, Electronic Drums). 

14. Chicago Song: Alternate Mix.  5:35
(M. Miller).

The Blessing

MichaelWSmith