MICHAEL CLEVELAND RELEASES FULL-LENGTH ALBUM LOVIN’ OF THE GAME
NASHVILLE, TN (March 3, 2023) — Distinguished bluegrass artist and instrumentalist Michael Cleveland is nothing short of extraordinary. The 12-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, GRAMMY Award-winner — and The Bluegrass Situation’s current “Artist of the Month” — has released his 12-track album, Lovin’ Of The Game, today via Compass Records. Stream / Purchase Lovin’ Of The Game here.
Built upon a rock-solid foundation of bluegrass prowess, Lovin’ Of The Game — produced by Jeff White, Cleveland, and Sean Sullivan — showcases the power of fusion, bringing truth to the phrase “greater than the sum of its parts.” On February 17, Sirius XM’s “Bluegrass Junction” had the exclusive advance world premiere of the whole album. Marking Cleveland’s sixth studio album, Lovin’ Of The Game positively hums with energy across the tracks finding appearances from Béla Fleck, Billy Strings, Charlie Starr, Jeff White, The Travelin’ McCourys, and Vince Gill, among other notable talents.
Lovin’ Of The Game arrives following the release of a string of standout singles: “One Horse Town” feat. Charlie Star, “For Your Love” feat. Billy Strings, the title track “The Lovin’ Of The Game,” and the LP’s lead single “Sunny Days (Are Comin’ Once Again).”
With collaboration serving as the bedrock of the album, Lovin’ Of The Game has Michael Cleveland seizing his opportunity at this one incredible life and swinging for the rafters. Not beholden to one specific genre or pigeonholed label, it showcases Cleveland’s inclusive musical nature — placing value in the process over the output. In this release of control, we find something sublime: the sound of artists working together in the act of creation without regard for any preconceived notion of what “should” be—the sound of genuine musicianship. “People know me as a traditional bluegrass fiddle player, which is what I love to do,” says Cleveland, “but this album is more than just the pure tradition. It’s a little bit of a departure for me.”
Cleveland’s blistering prowess and technical fluency have since marked him as a sought-after musician, leading to performances with Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Tim O’Brien, Andy Statman, and in recent years, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel, and Billy Strings. However, it wasn’t until 2006, when Michael formed his band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, that he found the right vehicle for his musical vision. He hasn’t rested since, constantly looking for new ways to push himself and his music forward.
“He plays fearless, and it’s intoxicating to play with him because he makes you play fearless,” says Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill. “He takes no prisoners but plays with restraint and a soul. He plays without abandon.” Today, Cleveland continues to make his way around the country performing, delighting audiences and leaving them with jaws dropped in complete amazement. “It’s wicked to see how much music he pulls out of a bow,” continues Gill. “He’s untouchable.”
ABOUT MICHAEL CLEVELAND:
Michael Cleveland is the most awarded International Bluegrass Music Association Fiddle Player of the Year, with 12 wins. He is also a six-time winner of the IBMA Instrumental Performance of the Year, and his band — Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper — has won Instrumental Group of the Year seven times. In 2019, Cleveland was the subject of the documentary, “Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story,” His 2019 album Tall Fiddler was awarded the GRAMMY for Best Bluegrass Album. On top of it all, Cleveland is also a 2018 Inductee to the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.
