Blue Stone Project

***NEW NEWS***



October 20, 2006

The Blue Stone Project CD, Blue Stone has been included on the initial Grammy Ballot for 2006 in the Rock category. Its the the first time a record submitted by Canyon Records for Grammy consideration has made the ballot outside of the Native American music category. This is the second year in a row that the rhythm section of Ed Michaels and Gary Rasmussen have made it on the ballot, as they were on the ballot in 2005 for Alvin Youngblood Hart's CD "Motivational Speaker" on the Tonecool/Artemis label in the Contemporary Blues category.



Blue Stone Project is a fantastic collaboration between three very talented musicians all coming together from such different musical backrounds.



Aaron White, Gary Rasmussen and Edward Michaels met in 04' at a festival up in the mountains of Colorado. They were all booked on the Silverton Jubilee. Aaron was there with John Densmore and Gary and Ed were touring as the rthymn section in Alvin Youngblood Hart's power trio at the time.



They decided to collaborate and put out a CD of which Blue Stone Project was born.



Aaron had been a longtime Canyon Records recording artist putting out albums under the name, Burning Sky that were basically traditional Native American music. He earned a Grammy nomination in 03' and won a Nammy the same year. Aaron has recorded nine CD's, Blue Stone Project being the most recent with it's release in August on Canyon Records.



Gary Rasmussen is a legendary bassist playing since 65' in numerous bands primarily born out of the Detroit area. His musical history is a extrodinary read. Early on his band, The Up, supported Hill Street Estates and lead the battle to get house mates, MC5's manager, John Sinclair, out of prison, long after the 5 had moved on in their careers. There are numerous books on the subject. Gary toured Europe playing in Iggy's band, he was the bassist of Sonic's Rendezvous Band for it's six year run. Played some and recorded with Patti Smith, has been on the Provouge label in Europe for a number of years with touring blues power trio, Michael Katon, had his own award winning bands and has played with a bevy of big name artists and locally known musicians on shows at home in Detroit all over the US. Has been on over 40 records with many artists. More recently recorded and toured with Alvin Youngblood Hart. He continues to play and tour and loves the diversity of the music he has had the opportunity to perform. He can be found playing with Porchsleeper, a rock project from time to time and finds it wonderful to get back to that all balls out Detroit rock that he helped set the standard for.



Sonic's Rendezvous Band six CD box set was just released Sept 06' on Easy Action Records. Gary's bio



Ed Michaels, also a long time vetern drummer has been playing with some impressive bands throughout his long career. Roy Rogers, Commander Cody, Marty Balin, James Montgomery, Marcy Levy, Carlos Guitarlos, Chicken Coup De Ville, Doyle Bramhall and Alvin Youngblood Hart to mention a few. Ed continues to tour and play on many different projects with other artists.

Read Ed's full bio



Ed has had the opportunity to share the stage as guest performer with a long list of well known artists, such as Steve Cropper, Boz Scaggs, Derek Trucks, Buddy Miles, etc.



During their time with Alvin Youngblood Hart, Gary and Ed discovered a solid musical bond that makes playing as a rhythmn section a very tight combination that suits anyone they play behind. They certainly are interested in doing more projects/bands together.



This collaboration of these three musicians has been a nice diversion for them all in stretching their styles to blend in such a beautiful way. The results are stunning and they hope you will enjoy their efforts.



To purchase the new Blue Stone Project CD contact: msswartz@chartermi.net



Gary Rasmussen's webpage



Ed Michaels webpage



For booking info: