"Michael Rubin breathed magic into our record. A producer's dream. He made me excited to mix the project, to hear again all the great things he played." -Jonathan Byrd
I play all styles of music. I have my own amplifier and mic for that distorted blues sound or I can play through the studio's microphone for a clean acoustic sound. I can read music and transpose quickly. I play the diatonic (blues harp), the chromatic (the Stevie Wonder, Toots Thielemans sound), the bass harp, the harmonetta and the chord harp.
Here is a song on a Ruthie Foster album that was nominated for a Grammy:
I am capable of playing a full chromatic scale on the diatonic harp, allowing for unique possibilities. Here is a sample:
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If you hire me, I intend to show up on time with all the equipment necessary to do the job well. I intend to listen to and follow your instructions and play
what you want. I may offer a suggestion if I believe it will achieve something you would be happier with. Although I care about the quality of the music, I
recognize time is money, so I will leave the level of perfectionism to the artist I am supporting. In other words, I intend to create high quality music in
a time efficient, professional manner.
Please read the gigs section below for artists I have recorded with or performed with.
I have performed on Broadway, on national television, in independent movies, at religious services, at clubs, festivals and parties. I am open to new forms of performing. Please contact me if you would like me to perform with you. I will turn your gig into a show.
"Michael Rubin is THE finest harmonica player I have ever had the
privilege to play and record with. I LOVE his style -- his timing, taste, tone, and creativity are outrageously off-the-charts wonderful. He is, without a doubt, a master!" - Billy Jonas
"Michael Rubin is one of the most sensitive harmonica players around today. He plays what the music requires. And when It's time to get down!!! his sound swells like a three piece horn section..." - LZ Love
"Michael is an incredible musician, he has the tone & licks that all harp players should strive for not to mention a great instructor that I believe can beautifully play just about any genre of music." - RJ Mischo
"Michael Rubin is the single best harmonica player I have ever had the pleasure of playing with - hands down. He is a master of his instruments as well as a wealth of taste and innovation. Best of all playing with him is always...a blast." - Jeff Plankenhorn
For around 20 years, I have been a member of The McMercy Family Band. We play old time country gospel. We have two albums out, Hallelujah Anyhow and Live at Church. (Live rhymes with give. It’s a good suggestion to live at church as much as possible. By coincidence, it was recorded live in a church.)
