Blood & Vanity

'Blood & Vanity' is the debut album from Michael Shipley, a successful TV writer/producer from such shows as 'Family Guy', 'My Name Is Earl', 'American Dad' and many others. On this collection of recordings, Michael has given free reign to another side of his creativity -- a lifelong passion for guitar-based lyric-driven songwriting. Working with friends and a cast of guest musicians from around LA, Michael has crafted an eclectic group of songs, ranging from a quiet acoustic guitar/cello ballad to full-blown band songs with jumping horn sections and soaring gospel choruses. In between those extremes, 'Hands On You' and 'These Days' are rollicking pop tracks, albeit shot through with moments of darkness. Stretching in another direction, 'Don't Let Me Forget' pays homage to Michael's family's multi-generational relationship with the Native American Maidu people. A number of Native American musicians graciously agreed to be featured on that track as well as the final cut, 'Ja'lulu' Kojo'di' which in Maidu means 'Flute In The Valley'. True to it's name, that track features Ben Cunningham-Summerfield, who still makes and plays the traditional elderberry flute of his Maidu ancestors. Taken as a whole, 'Blood & Vanity' can be listened to as a journey through Michael's own varied experiences, from the chaos and celebration of life in Hollywood, through personal loss, through dreams of escape, all the way to the deep roots of his family and the universal peace of nature. We had a fun, deep and surprise-filled time making this record and we hope you have the same listening to it. If you order the physical CD, it comes with a sixteen-page booklet of lyrics and photos from the making of the album.