by Leon JacksonBluegrass musician Walt Michael was born and raised in Maryland. He first became aware of bluegrass while working as a student volunteer in West Virginia and developed a passion for the sounds of the Appalachians. Although he is an accomplished musician -- he can play harmonica, guitar, and mandolin -- he is best known for his work on the hammered dulcimer, which he has been playing since 1971. As a seminarian, Michael began performing at coffee houses and, with Jim Albertson on guitar and Lew London on banjo, he formed the Bottle Hill Band. During its years of activity (1972-1977) the Bottle Hill Band toured extensively, released two albums, and developed a distinctive "new grass" sound. When the Bottle Hill Band dissolved in 1977, Michael joined Tom McCreesh and Harley Campbell to form Michael, McCreesh and Campbell. The band recorded two albums and toured Europe before breaking up. Once again Michael found himself alone, and this time he chose to lead his own band, naming it Walt Michael & Co. His recordings with Walt Michael & Co. have seen his ability on the dulcimer reach a new stage of confidence and maturity, and many consider these his best work to date.