“My Love” Michael Dunston
In our world of “flash-in-the-pan” singers and “here today, gone tomorrow” pop stars, it is a deserved treat to hear a beautiful tune rendered soulfully and with an authentic depth of emotion that only a seasoned artist like Michael Dunston can bring. While we feel that Dunston’s music speaks for itself, there is clearly more to his story.
“Michael is someone who channels the whole history of male R&B vocals when he sings,” elaborates Andrew Scott. “This is someone who can light up a room like almost no other performer. I’ve seen him energize a crowd in the thousands with his enormous talent and boundless energy.”
Given Dunston’s pedigree—a veteran of the club scene, a man who recorded for the legendary soul label Atlantic Records, played Bo Diddley in the film Mr. Rock n’ Roll: The Allan Freed Story and who grew up singing in the churches of North Carolina—such well-honed talents are, perhaps, not surprising. And Michael has definitely brought the goods to “My Love,” his latest EP for Boomtang Records.
With a honeyed voice that has earned him the respect of industry peers, Dunston has dropped what are certain to become Urban, R&B and Soul radio staples in “Soul Revolution,” “Turn the Lights down Low” and the EP’s title track, “My Love.”
“Soul Revolution,” the track that is making the most noise out of the gate, is a funky bit of urban dance. It’s a “call-to-arms,” if you will, for the soul revolution whose point and purpose is to (re) awaken the masses who have been stupefied by mediocre music for too long and get them back on the dance floor. “This one has been getting a lot of attention from British DJs and tastemakers in London,” mentions Dunston, who points out that a number of remixes of this track have already begun making the rounds of the podcast universe.
Michael has been called a “ballad’s best friend,” and the performance he renders on the smooth “Turn the Lights down Low” demonstrates exactly why this is the case. Think Maxwell, Sade and Robin Thicke as points of reference and you’ll only just begin to understand the depth of emotion Michael brings to his treatment here. “This song has a certain amount of intimacy and romance,” elaborates the singer. “Uncork this track on a special night, play it for your lady and thank me later.”
The equally smooth “My Love” has a decidedly classic feel to it, with just a pinch of retro. “This one sounds like a track that ‘60s Motown never released,” suggests Dunston, “and seeing that most of the guys who sang for that label were my mentors, I tried to channel that spirit into my performance.” The result is a comfortable and familiar song with no surprises; the audio equivalent of slipping into a warm bath.
Written, performed and produced by Four80East—frequent Juno-nominee Rob DeBoer (Gloria Gaynor, Holy Cole, Boomtang Boys, Dan Hill) and consistent American Top Five producer Tony Grace (Amanda Marshall, Corey Hart, Andy Kim, Bif Naked, The Philosopher Kings)—and Urban Music Award winner Andrew Scott (The Clayton/Scott Group, One Step Beyond, Matt Dusk, Alfie Zappacosta), “My Love” the EP marks the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful musical collaboration.
“I have always lent my voice to other artists,” suggests Dunston of his storied career, “I’m ready to step out as leader and this is the project with which to do it!”
“My Love” (EP) was released October 12, 2010.
Artist: Michael Dunston
Produced by: Four80East and Andrew Scott
Label: Boomtang Records (www.boomtang.com)
Format: Digital release on iTunes
Website: www.michaeldunston.com
Date: November 8, 2024
Doors open: 6:00pm
Entertainment begins: 8:00pm
Menu: On Entertainment nights we will be serving our A La Carte Dinner Menu.
Event Age Restriction:
This is a 19+ event. All guests must be 19 years of age or older to attend.
Timing:
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Entertainment Begins: 8:00 PM (two 50-minute sets with a 20-minute break)
Pricing:
Entertainment Charge: prepaid, non-refundable, and non-transferable
Minimum Spend: $30 minimum spend on food and/or beverages per person
Taxes and Service Charge: Prices exclude tax and service charge and may change during peak seasons
Gratuity Policy for Groups/Parties:
For groups/parties of 10 or more persons, a minimum 15% gratuity will apply. Only one bill will be presented to groups/parties of 10 or more.
Reservation Policy:
A credit card is required to secure all reservations. The entertainment charge will be charged at the time of booking.
Allergy Statement:
Our menu may contain or come into contact with wheat/gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and soy. Old Mill Toronto Hospitality Inc. is not a nut-free facility. While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, please be aware of potential allergens.
Menu:
The menu will be A La Carte and is subject to change.
Seating Arrangement:
Seating is in a dining room setup, not traditional theatre-style. Some seats may face away from the stage to comfortably enjoy your meal. The seating arrangement is fixed for the entire night, so guests will not change seats after dinner.
Venue:
Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario M8X 1G5 – Dining Room Entrance (Look for the Big Red Heart ♥️)
Parking and Transportation:
Parking: Located at 20 Old Mill Rd. Rates are $2.00/hour, with a maximum daily rate of $12.00.
Public Transit (TTC): Take the Subway or City Bus to Old Mill Subway Station. We are a short two-minute walk down Old Mill Road.
Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting melodies of live jazz music at Old Mill Toronto. Make your reservations early to ensure you don’t miss out on this captivating musical experience that brings together the best of jazz and fine dining in Toronto.