Michael Milligan and I go back a few years while I was on the Board of Directors for the Austin Blues Society when he did the open mic/blues jams back then. Hell, if it wasn't for his bassist, Leland Parks that put my name in to be the merchandise chair through Spencer Thomas, the current president of the ABS at the time, I wouldn't have gotten the position in the first place. So I'm quite grateful for that.
Michael brings a spicy gumbo flavor to the Austin blues scene like no other performer I personally know. I call his style a mix-mash between Louisiana Texas Swamp Bop Boogie Blues because that is just what I feel in my soul, when I hear and see the band perform.
You can't...just...literally sit in your chair...without dancing in your seat! I've tried to hold myself back and control 'the spirit' but failed every time. Glad I did.
Folks around these parts mirror his powerful vocals and stage presence to THE legendary Junior Medlow...and I can see why. Now on to the interview, shall we folks?
Michael brings a spicy gumbo flavor to the Austin blues scene like no other performer I personally know. I call his style a mix-mash between Louisiana Texas Swamp Bop Boogie Blues because that is just what I feel in my soul, when I hear and see the band perform.
You can't...just...literally sit in your chair...without dancing in your seat! I've tried to hold myself back and control 'the spirit' but failed every time. Glad I did.
Folks around these parts mirror his powerful vocals and stage presence to THE legendary Junior Medlow...and I can see why. Now on to the interview, shall we folks?
Chris: Raised in Angelton, TX but where were you born? Where does your Louisiana roots step from? Give me some history here buddy.
MICHAEL: Well? I was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Angelton; a small town 45 miles straight South of Houston. My birth Mother was from NATCHITOCHES(nak-ki-toush), Louisiana. I was an orphan until the age of three. I was adopted by the people who raised me(Beatrice and Joseph Milligan) in 1953. My(adopted) Mother started me playing piano when I was 4 and singing just came natural for me; first in church and then in choir in high school. There were a group of us who hung out in my Mother's living room and sang around the piano. I started playing Drums in 1967.
Chris: Interesting! Adopted here as well, from day one. Took my folks three years to find THE perfect match! Anyway, so when did you first hit Austin and settle in the area?
MICHAEL: I used to come to Austin in the early 70's to see concerts at Armadillo Headquarters. Officially left Texas in 1973 and moved to Esterville, Iowa where I went to the local Jr. College, majoring in percussion and voice. I also spent a semester at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.. Spent three years in Iowa playing drums and singing in Rock & Roll bands, the most successful being "SMOKIN' RED"". I moved to Nederland, Colorado, in the mountains above Boulder, in 1976. The band I was in there was called "NEW MOON" from 1978 to 1985. We recorded one album, "New Moon" in 1979 at "Caribou Ranch" which was located just outside of Nederland.. We toured all over the Northwest and the Mountain States. I moved back to Texas in 1986 and played out of Houston until 1988. I got married in Houston then and did not play music until I was transferred to Austin for a job in 1992. We first moved to Wimberley in 1990 and then to Bourne in 1991.
Chris: Alrighty, now give me the scoop and the low down on 'MEMPHIS TRAIN' and the band that followed, 'DELTA ROUX'?
MICHAEL: When I moved to Austin, I quit playing drums and became a front man. My first band in Austin was 'MEMPHIS TRAIN' and got that gig through an audition, arranged by Harry Bodine, who was the guitar player in the band at the time. Then, in 1997, Harry left 'MEMPHIS TRAIN' and I quickly followed. We got together and formed 'DELTA ROUX' and we recorded two CD's with them; "BAD WIND BLOWIN” in 1999(Tx 1050-2 TA) and "ONLY A FOOL" IN 2001(Tx 1055-2 TA). We had a distribution deal with a label out of Germany called TAXIM. And as far as I know, you can still order those CD's from TAXIM. 'DELTA ROUX' toured Western Europe from 200-2004, and the band broke up in 2004.
Chris: Slick! Now tell me, how did this, what I call, your Texas/Louisiana Swamp Bop Boogie Blues style of music rear from, and you DO it WELL my friend!
MICHAEL: Haa haa! Thanks Chris! Well? I was turned on to the Louisiana style of Blues by Harry Bodine who introduced me to Andres Osborne, John Mooney, The Meters, The Subdudes and The Neville Bros. I had always been strongly influenced by Rock Music since I had been a Rock/Jazz Fusion drummer. 'DELTA ROUX' played at the Hard Rock Cafe in 2000 at Mardi Gras. Chris? That experience really pushed me toward the Louisiana sound!
MICHAEL: Well? I was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Angelton; a small town 45 miles straight South of Houston. My birth Mother was from NATCHITOCHES(nak-ki-toush), Louisiana. I was an orphan until the age of three. I was adopted by the people who raised me(Beatrice and Joseph Milligan) in 1953. My(adopted) Mother started me playing piano when I was 4 and singing just came natural for me; first in church and then in choir in high school. There were a group of us who hung out in my Mother's living room and sang around the piano. I started playing Drums in 1967.
Chris: Interesting! Adopted here as well, from day one. Took my folks three years to find THE perfect match! Anyway, so when did you first hit Austin and settle in the area?
MICHAEL: I used to come to Austin in the early 70's to see concerts at Armadillo Headquarters. Officially left Texas in 1973 and moved to Esterville, Iowa where I went to the local Jr. College, majoring in percussion and voice. I also spent a semester at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.. Spent three years in Iowa playing drums and singing in Rock & Roll bands, the most successful being "SMOKIN' RED"". I moved to Nederland, Colorado, in the mountains above Boulder, in 1976. The band I was in there was called "NEW MOON" from 1978 to 1985. We recorded one album, "New Moon" in 1979 at "Caribou Ranch" which was located just outside of Nederland.. We toured all over the Northwest and the Mountain States. I moved back to Texas in 1986 and played out of Houston until 1988. I got married in Houston then and did not play music until I was transferred to Austin for a job in 1992. We first moved to Wimberley in 1990 and then to Bourne in 1991.
Chris: Alrighty, now give me the scoop and the low down on 'MEMPHIS TRAIN' and the band that followed, 'DELTA ROUX'?
MICHAEL: When I moved to Austin, I quit playing drums and became a front man. My first band in Austin was 'MEMPHIS TRAIN' and got that gig through an audition, arranged by Harry Bodine, who was the guitar player in the band at the time. Then, in 1997, Harry left 'MEMPHIS TRAIN' and I quickly followed. We got together and formed 'DELTA ROUX' and we recorded two CD's with them; "BAD WIND BLOWIN” in 1999(Tx 1050-2 TA) and "ONLY A FOOL" IN 2001(Tx 1055-2 TA). We had a distribution deal with a label out of Germany called TAXIM. And as far as I know, you can still order those CD's from TAXIM. 'DELTA ROUX' toured Western Europe from 200-2004, and the band broke up in 2004.
Chris: Slick! Now tell me, how did this, what I call, your Texas/Louisiana Swamp Bop Boogie Blues style of music rear from, and you DO it WELL my friend!
MICHAEL: Haa haa! Thanks Chris! Well? I was turned on to the Louisiana style of Blues by Harry Bodine who introduced me to Andres Osborne, John Mooney, The Meters, The Subdudes and The Neville Bros. I had always been strongly influenced by Rock Music since I had been a Rock/Jazz Fusion drummer. 'DELTA ROUX' played at the Hard Rock Cafe in 2000 at Mardi Gras. Chris? That experience really pushed me toward the Louisiana sound!
Chris: So, Michael. When did you take up the harmonica?
MICHAEL : During my time with 'DELTA ROUX', I started teaching myself to play harmonica.. I used to go to four blues jams a week to learn how to play harp. Did Ted Hall's jams, the jams at the 311 Club on 6th Street hosted by Dee Everet and the "Mojo" jam in Round Rock.. Chris? It took me four years to master the Harp!
Chris: An old mutual friend and band mate Leland Parks asked you to front the 'Alter Boyz' I believe in 2005. How many CDs were cut with them?
MICHAEL: I met Leland Parks in 2005 and was asked to front "THE ALTAR BOYZ".....The original band was fronted by Dee Dee Priest who had moved to Holland......the original members of 'MIKE MILLIGAN AND THE ALTER BOYZ' were myself, Scott Unsicker, Dave Novak and Leland Parks. We recorded two CD.s with that lineup, “GOIN' UP" in 2005. and “HOLDIN' ON" in 2007. A third CD was recorded in 2014, called "MY TIME".
Chris: In 2009, The Austin Blues Society, for the first time ever, held our local segment of The International Blues Competition. I know the story, but I want you to tell me, and our readers what happened! LoL!!! Time to Toot that horn, well, that HARP that is. LOL!!!
MICHAEL: We were the first band to represent The Austin Blues Society in the I.B.C. competition in Memphis in 2009.....we also were the first host of the Austin Blues Society Jams at Antone's, along with Kim Sessions Band every other week.
The I.B.C. thing in Memphis was an eye opener for me as to the level of competition in the Blues world, world wide that is. We did OK and didn't make the finals but not by much. We were beat out by a band from Boston who we were hanging out with (they didn't have semi-finals back then). We made an impression!
We returned to Memphis in 2011 representing the San Angelo Blues Society and we made the Semi-Finals that time but not the finals.
Chris: So, let me ask you...When did you start holding a regular Monday Night Blues jam at 'Maggie Mae's' and how long has that been going on?
MICHAEL: The Monday Night Jam started in 2006 and has been a delight for me! Sharing the stage with new musicians who move to Austin...unexpected surprises...and European musicians who come to Austin just to Jam.
Chris: Now, when did you make the name switch from the 'Alter Boyz' to 'Texiana Blues'? And why?
MICHAEL: This past December I parted ways with Leland and he took the Altar Boyz name with him. I then changed the name to "MICHAEL MILLIGAN and TEXIANA BLUEZ" which does a better job of describing the music I write...
Chris: Presently, who is in your band with you? Can give a shout out to anyone that sits in with you from time to time.
MICHAEL: The current lineup includes NATE BOFF on Guitar...MIKE SKIFFINGTON on Drums and CHARLIE IRWIN on Bass. The next C.D. That I do will be under the new name...(Investors welcome! LoL!!! )
Chris: Where can our readers pick up copies locally and/or on line?
MICHAEL: All "Altar Boyz" C.D.'s are available on C.D. Baby.com and I have copies of CD's with me at my gigs too!
Chris: Besides your regular Monday Night Jams at 'Maggie Mae's' where else can folks find you and what is the BEST way for them to keep up with your schedule?
MICHAEL: We play regularly at Guero's, The Moontower Saloon, Cypress Creek in Wimberley, The Brass Tap in Round Rock and other places in the area; also in San Angelo and Port Aransas.
Our schedule can be found on our REVERBNATION page:
www.reverbnation.com/michaelmilliganandtexianabluez
Fans can follow me on my facebook page as well Chris:
www.fcebook.com/michaelmilliganandtexianabluez
Chris: I know you get sick and tired of me asking you this from time to time..but, if I may....What keeps you going, and what keeps you looking so damned YOUNG? Whats your secret!?!?
MICHAEL: My secret? I don't know to tell you the truth Chris! LoL!!! I was always a late bloomer. But moderation is the key. When the sun comes up...go to bed!
Chris: Lastly, I want you to pass something along to others out there, especially to the younger players in town, what you have learned about the live music scene here in town, both good and bad.
MICHAEL: My advise to young players? Turn that shit the fuck down! Respect other players on the stage and don't be a dick!!! Being a DICK doesn't fly in Austin, Texas
Chris !!! BAM !!! I LOVE IT BROTHER!!!
MICHAEL : You asked! LoL!!!!!!
MICHAEL : During my time with 'DELTA ROUX', I started teaching myself to play harmonica.. I used to go to four blues jams a week to learn how to play harp. Did Ted Hall's jams, the jams at the 311 Club on 6th Street hosted by Dee Everet and the "Mojo" jam in Round Rock.. Chris? It took me four years to master the Harp!
Chris: An old mutual friend and band mate Leland Parks asked you to front the 'Alter Boyz' I believe in 2005. How many CDs were cut with them?
MICHAEL: I met Leland Parks in 2005 and was asked to front "THE ALTAR BOYZ".....The original band was fronted by Dee Dee Priest who had moved to Holland......the original members of 'MIKE MILLIGAN AND THE ALTER BOYZ' were myself, Scott Unsicker, Dave Novak and Leland Parks. We recorded two CD.s with that lineup, “GOIN' UP" in 2005. and “HOLDIN' ON" in 2007. A third CD was recorded in 2014, called "MY TIME".
Chris: In 2009, The Austin Blues Society, for the first time ever, held our local segment of The International Blues Competition. I know the story, but I want you to tell me, and our readers what happened! LoL!!! Time to Toot that horn, well, that HARP that is. LOL!!!
MICHAEL: We were the first band to represent The Austin Blues Society in the I.B.C. competition in Memphis in 2009.....we also were the first host of the Austin Blues Society Jams at Antone's, along with Kim Sessions Band every other week.
The I.B.C. thing in Memphis was an eye opener for me as to the level of competition in the Blues world, world wide that is. We did OK and didn't make the finals but not by much. We were beat out by a band from Boston who we were hanging out with (they didn't have semi-finals back then). We made an impression!
We returned to Memphis in 2011 representing the San Angelo Blues Society and we made the Semi-Finals that time but not the finals.
Chris: So, let me ask you...When did you start holding a regular Monday Night Blues jam at 'Maggie Mae's' and how long has that been going on?
MICHAEL: The Monday Night Jam started in 2006 and has been a delight for me! Sharing the stage with new musicians who move to Austin...unexpected surprises...and European musicians who come to Austin just to Jam.
Chris: Now, when did you make the name switch from the 'Alter Boyz' to 'Texiana Blues'? And why?
MICHAEL: This past December I parted ways with Leland and he took the Altar Boyz name with him. I then changed the name to "MICHAEL MILLIGAN and TEXIANA BLUEZ" which does a better job of describing the music I write...
Chris: Presently, who is in your band with you? Can give a shout out to anyone that sits in with you from time to time.
MICHAEL: The current lineup includes NATE BOFF on Guitar...MIKE SKIFFINGTON on Drums and CHARLIE IRWIN on Bass. The next C.D. That I do will be under the new name...(Investors welcome! LoL!!! )
Chris: Where can our readers pick up copies locally and/or on line?
MICHAEL: All "Altar Boyz" C.D.'s are available on C.D. Baby.com and I have copies of CD's with me at my gigs too!
Chris: Besides your regular Monday Night Jams at 'Maggie Mae's' where else can folks find you and what is the BEST way for them to keep up with your schedule?
MICHAEL: We play regularly at Guero's, The Moontower Saloon, Cypress Creek in Wimberley, The Brass Tap in Round Rock and other places in the area; also in San Angelo and Port Aransas.
Our schedule can be found on our REVERBNATION page:
www.reverbnation.com/michaelmilliganandtexianabluez
Fans can follow me on my facebook page as well Chris:
www.fcebook.com/michaelmilliganandtexianabluez
Chris: I know you get sick and tired of me asking you this from time to time..but, if I may....What keeps you going, and what keeps you looking so damned YOUNG? Whats your secret!?!?
MICHAEL: My secret? I don't know to tell you the truth Chris! LoL!!! I was always a late bloomer. But moderation is the key. When the sun comes up...go to bed!
Chris: Lastly, I want you to pass something along to others out there, especially to the younger players in town, what you have learned about the live music scene here in town, both good and bad.
MICHAEL: My advise to young players? Turn that shit the fuck down! Respect other players on the stage and don't be a dick!!! Being a DICK doesn't fly in Austin, Texas
Chris !!! BAM !!! I LOVE IT BROTHER!!!
MICHAEL : You asked! LoL!!!!!!