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Photo by Diane Butler
Someone once asked me, “What does balance mean to you”. After giving it some thought I responded “When there are equal amounts of the elements that are the most important”. That also happens to be my best description of Michael Justis. He has that unique ability to combine setting the right mood for the room, and getting your attention while he takes you through a journey into a combination of the best tunes ever written and most importantly, making you smile at the same time. And let me tell you something, that’s not something that you can buy at a fancy music school. You can’t download it in the form of an instructional video. And it doesn’t come with just being a very social musician who lacks in the knowledge of their craft, or one who “wows” everyone with their technical dexterity. It comes from finding the right blend between the two that really works for a solo entertainer. It comes from Michael Justis.
Every time I go into a nightclub and see a group of people that are a mix between the professional, the promiscuous, and the “pretty darn tired” after a long days work, I think “this is a Michael room”. That’s because not only does it describe a typical island night club, it also describes a place that has a real cross section of people. That’s when the atmosphere invites the abilities of someone who is not only very talented, but very sociable as well. Enter Michael Justice, a true island entertainer.
In my opinion, a solo entertainer has much more to think about on stage than a band musician. I’ve done both and that’s what I think. Of course I’m not saying that a band has less to think about on stage, it’s just that after a band gets their song list down really well, it’s pretty much fun and games after that. Well, at least until they have to learn a new tune. But with a solo, you’re up there by yourself and have to deal with it on a one to one hundred basis (or more). If the crowd is good it’s because of you. And if the crowd is bad it’s also because of you. Man, sometimes even when it rains it’s because of you! (I’ve had that happen) And you can’t share your musical trials and tribulations with the rest of the band. Now, any of us can handle playing alone when it’s great, but what about the night when some guy has just broken up with his wife and takes it out on you because you don’t know their wedding song? Or the night when you were in the middle of a very emotional song and some idiot stands by your side the whole time demanding that you announce that his car is blocked in. You can’t pass that on to the rest of the band. You’re up there alone. I personally think that it’s one of the hardest jobs in music.
Now some of you soloist may be thinking “hey man, thanks for understanding”. But I’m sorry; this article is not directed to just any individual who just happens to have the nerve and patience to handle a crowd on their own. This is meant to pay respect to someone who has the right mix, as well as the ability to hold your attention. One who always remembers your name when you walk in the room, and most likely remembers the last conversation that you both had. And most of all, this column is meant to spotlight someone who draws you in to his great personality as well as his fine musicianship. This one’s for you bro!
I have had the opportunity to play with Michael on many occasions. And when I try to decide on what to say that really nails it about him, I find that it can’t be put in just one sentence. But I can tell you one thing, even after writing about a few of his abilities, I still won’t feel content with this piece until I mention his ability to stay with the crowd. I’m serious, if the crowd stays so does Michael. Even if the sun starts to rise over the island, he will be there as long as the people are there. That’s because even though his musical expertise along with his choice of songs are priority, the most important thing to Michael Justis is his crowd. I have never seen him walk out on one, no matter how long he had to stay up there and play.
- JJ Rocks
October, 2009
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