Michael James Band shows off Wimberley’s musical flair

Michael James has been writing songs and performing for more than 50 years and he still gets a thrill on those nights when he connects with his audience.

“Sometimes it just comes together,” says Michael. “When it does come together, it’s magic. I don’t care if you are a national act or a local band, it’s just magic. This last Tuesday night we just got in a groove and even the people who see us every Tuesday, they sensed it.”

These days you can see Michael’s band at Open Mic Night Tuesdays at the Tavern at Cypress Falls from 8-11 p.m.

For Michael James, it has been a long — and sometimes bumpy — road. He started playing the guitar when he was 14 and, except for a 10-year hiatus, he has been writing songs and performing ever since.

Michael was born in Oklahoma in 1950. He moved to Austin in 1972. He now lives in San Marcos. Over the years the bands he has led have played with Willie Nelson, Ricky Nelson and Leon Russell. He has written songs for Willie Nelson’s music publishing company and has toured extensively.

As his musical career winds down, Michael performs frequently in Wimberley. “Right now with the band, I’m enjoying it. We’re not doing it for the money,” says Michael. “We’re all semi-retired. We have a pretty loyal following here in Wimberley. I live in San Marcos but consider Wimberley my second home.”

Performs locally

The Michael James band performs around town at venues such as Hays City Store, Linda’s Fine Foods, Middleton Brewery and the Shady Llama, but the Tuesday night gig at the Cypress Falls tavern is where they have the most fun. Michael plays guitar and is the lead singer. Backing him up are Gerald T. Burns on bass, Chuck O’Connor on guitar and Larry McDonald on drums. They call their style of music Americana.

“Americana encompasses all styles of music,” explains Michael. “No one has been able to define it, but you know it when you hear it.” He says his music includes elements of country, rock and roll, blues and even reggae.

Michael was born Michael James McDonald, but when he started copyrighting music there was confusion between him and the Michael McDonald who played with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. So he legally changed his name to Michael James.

Music has been his living, except for service in Vietnam in the late 60s and a 10-year period where he needed a break. “I quit playing for 10 years,” he explains. “I just got burned out. I devoted my total life to music and it cost a lot. You are basically selling your soul to the devil.”

Michael started hosting the Open Mic Night at the Cypress Creek Cafe and developed a loyal following. The fire in 2017 at the cafe ended that. “They called me and told me not to come to the Cypress Creek Cafe because it was burring to the ground,” Michael recalls.

The bartender at the Cypress Creek Cafe made arrangements to move the show to the Tavern at Cypress Falls and it has been steadily building a fan base ever since.

Open Mic Night is basically an amateur hour. Anyone who wants perform signs up. Michael’s band is there for back up if needed. Eight musicians are featured on a typical Tuesday and 30-40 people show up.

“Wimberley has some talented people,” Michael says. “It’s amazing.”

Mostly original songs

He singles out Virginia Drake and Tom Muse as performers he has watched grow over the years. ”Tom Muse has blossomed into his own sound,“ says Michael. “People really enjoy him.”

As someone who has made a living at singing and songwriting, he warns young performers that it’s a tough career path. “Your chances of making a living playing music professionally are minuscule,” he says.

He is not writing as much music these days because, he says, there’s no turmoil in his life. His best years were in the late 1970s when he was associated with Nelson’s music company. Over the years he has written more than 50 songs and most of the music the band performs is original.

He figures he has played with 20 professional musicians over the decades. Michael says his current guitar player Chuck O’Connor is “one of the top five guitar players I have ever heard in my life.”

As frontman for his band, Michael is responsible for everything from transportation to making sure everyone gets paid.

At age 69, Michael enjoys performing more than ever. “I have had my day in the sun. I can’t complain about my life.”