Michael Tarbox is a singer / songwriter from Maynard, Mass. He performs solo regularly but is most noted for his work with his band The Tarbox Ramblers. Formed in 1994, the Tarbox Ramblers have toured nationally, they held down a year long residency at both The Green Street Grill and The Burren in Cambridge, Mass.
The blues and folk music came to Tarbox through his elders, parents and people that were friends that would come through the house. It was evident when we sat down for our interview that he was visibly shaken. He informed me that one of his inspirations, Ornette Coleman, passed away earlier that day.
Starting off in covers bands in High school, Michael wasn’t doing much writing at first. Playing Punk Rock in bands, Tarbox then went traveling in France, Spain and Morocco where he was busking to make money. Buying an Epi Guitar, Spain was not the right place for him to make money. France was the place where he made his money and he began to write more original compositions.
Michael Tarbox also has had brushes with super stardom. One night while performing in Cambridge, his drummer happened to meet Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and introduced himself. At the old House of Blues in Harvard Square, it came to his attention that Robert Plant was waiting for Michael back stage. After a brief talk, his band The Tarbox Ramblers became the opening act for Robert Plant’s Tour of about eight to ten dates and worked with him afterwords on and off with various projects.
Recently, Tarbox is doing more Solo acts and travels less while he raises his four year old daughter. Occasionally he goes out of State but not as much. The Tarbox Ramblers occasionally play as a band with Dan Kellar on Fiddle.
Michael writes nearly every day. Even if it means an idea or writing a line or two. Patterns and phrases come and go. Self - criticism is a massive hurdle to get over, songs usually don’t come into completed form until several months later if at all.
Boston has changed tremendously with the trimming down of music venues. Economically, when rent controlled apartments were more abundant, there was a bigger environment for the bohemian lifestyle. In the last year, many people have moved out of Somerville and Cambridge thanks, in part, to gentrification. He also views, accurately, that when an environment is TOO SAFE, the music becomes too safe and the excitement and urgency leaves the music.
Roots music should be strange and innovative he’s says, and if there are fewer clubs, there will be fewer chances being taken in performances. Even though roots music is conservative, there is still room to be weird and to take risks.
One of his more recent compositions is Hey Mr. Starlight which is a real departure from his first album, lending itself back towards his punk rock influences. It was met with mixed reviews which encouraged him, inspiring Tarbox to get into new and different venues. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter and at Michael Tarbox.com for performances and tours.
