Michael Arkk

Michael Arkk - Singer, Songwriter, Producer and Poet, delivers a powerfully charged show every time he performs. His songs, his poetry are of unusual depth. He started singing from his early teens in his native country Jamaica and has travelled around the world delivering his unique blend of music and poetry.

Brought up in Jamaica in the church where his Dad was a minister Arkk was influenced by gospel singers mostly from America such as Mahalia Jackson, The Five Blind Boys from Alabama, Jim Reeves, Sam Cook, Elvis Presley, Shirley Cesar, and many others. Reggae music was not very welcomed in the family home, but Arkk has always loved roots reggae. His favourite artists were Toots and the Maytals, Culture, Jimmy Cliff, The Scatter Lights, Burning Spare, Bob Marley, Ken Booth, John Holt, and others. Soul Music was always present on the radio and he had some favourites there too such as Otis Redding, Al Green, Tom Jones, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Joe Cocker, BB. King, Miles Davis. Arkk has drawn from a wide range of artists in the creation of his music.

He said "I have encountered many difficulties in my life and have had near death experiences. I think that this has made me a more reasonable person". His latest album EASIER SAID and his anthology of poems in the collection entitled Congregation is a weaving together of his continued journey through life and music.

His chance meeting with a friend (Sissy Powell) who invited him to a convention was the catalyst for a new direction in his career. He had just formed a band with his brothers (Mystic Circle) and after a few performances was fortunate to meet Dr. V. McGregor who was so impressed with the band he invited them to England. It was a while however before his dream was realised. In the meantime he had to continue working as a farmer and woodcutter to make ends meet.

The move finally came in 1987 and a whole new path began. Arkk was the first of his brothers to arrive in England. His performances had rave reviews and after a while, through Arkk's influence his brothers were invited to join him.

Before long they were touring England, France, and Germany and many other places, sharing stages with many internationally recognised choirs, soloists and musicians from all over the world. Arkk's solo career began in earnest when the band Mystic Circle, later known as Channel Of Praise, ended. He began working on his latest album which is a classic work of art, an embodiment of his feelings, ideas and his emotions.

He returns to the stage in spring 2006 with his latest album 'Easier Said' to be released Mid Summer 2006. "It's been a long and sometimes beautiful journey from his bed of leaves under the stars in the mountain of Quick Step St.Elizabeth Jamaica, to festival and concert halls across Europe and other parts of the world", he says.

Arkk wishes to thank everyone that has contributed to his life so far. Listening to his album and reading his poems, one will recognise Arkk's desire to spread joy and peace to all he meets in the hope of making life a little more enjoyable for everyone.

Recommended release:

	Title: Easier Said Artist: Michael Arkk Year: 2006 Label: Michael Wright More info: www.michaelarkk.com Where to buy: Amazon \| CD Baby
Tracks: 01 - Easier Said 02 - Notting Hill 03 - Dark Red 04 - Love Is An Anchor 05 - Apologise 06 - Wheel and Dance 07 - Its a Sharing Thing 08 - Come Peace 09 - Un-nu-fi Learn 10 - It Is Sweet to Know 11 - No Dream 12 - Tough 13 - Don't You Want to Be Loved? 14 - All I Want to Do Is Dance