"A View from the Side" is now available to order online

About the book:
Dedicating one’s life to art is a choice made by few and difficult for the many to comprehend. The rich but ephemeral rewards that are discovered come at a cost that conventional wisdom seems to defy. What drives the heart and mind of the artist to continue to struggle in a world that offers them no security, predictability or objective value for the fruits of their labor?

As an artist (musician) myself, I have attempted through the writing of this book to give the reader a window in which to view the lives, aspirations, adventures and misadventures, phenomenal successes and tragic failures of some of the leading practitioners of an art that I’m intimately familiar with, playing the bass. Through stories of my own experiences, their experiences, interviews and profiles, I believe I’ve written more of a “why” as opposed to a “how to” book on the nature of the pursuit of the artistic life.


What Others are Saying:
"Michael's personal stories are compelling and enlightening, and he has a knack for drawing out the unspoken truth from some of the top players in the world. An insightful collection of tales from the sideman's viewpoint."
- Ed Friedland

Bassist, Educator and Columnist for Bass Player Magazine
“An honest and funny account of life on the road as a sideman, sure to inspire anyone who wants to be a touring musician or already is one. I've toured with Mike for more years than I can remember, and he is a terrific storyteller. Enjoy!”
- Suzanne Vega