MICHAEL CLEVELAND AND FLAMEKEEPER
2020 GRAMMY Award Winner: Best Bluegrass Album – ‘Tall Fiddler’
Voted IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year in 2019 for the 12th time. 2020 SPBGMA Fiddle Performer of the Year. IBMA’s most awarded fiddle player. Michael has won Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year six times, and fronts the 5-Time Instrumental Group of the Year Flamekeeper. Also a 2018 Inductee to the National Fiddler Hall of Fame and a 2018 GRAMMY Nominee.
Michael Cleveland’s blistering prowess and technical fluency have marked him as a sought-after musician, leading to performances with Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, Andy Statman, and The Kruger Brothers in recent years. However, it wasn’t until 2006, when Michael formed his own band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, that he found the right vehicle for his musical vision, and he hasn’t rested since, constantly looking for new ways to push himself and his music forward. “He plays fearless and it’s intoxicating to play with him because he makes you play fearless,” says Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill. “He takes
no prisoners but he plays with a restraint and a soul. He plays without abandon.” Clearly, NARAS and the IBMA agree as he was awarded the 2020 GRAMMY for Best Bluegrass Album – Tall Fiddler, and is the IBMA’s most awarded Fiddle Player of the Year with 12 wins, has won Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year six times, and fronts their six-time Instrumental Group of the Year. Together with Flamekeeper members Josh Richards (guitar), Nathan Livers (mandolin), Jasiah Shrode (banjo) and Chris Douglas (bass), Cleveland makes his way around the country performing festivals, clubs, and performing arts centers, delighting audiences, leaving them with jaws dropped in complete amazement.“It’s wicked to see how much music he pulls out of a bow,” continues Vince. “He’s untouchable.”
“It’s obvious he was destined to become one of Bluegrass Music’s contemporary stars.”
~ Boston Globe ~
“Michael Cleveland’s fiddle sounds like a freight train going fast downhill. the playing is tight, but there is aloneness to the way it is played that makes it so fun!”
~ The Sound Less Heard~
