Michael Troy Romances the Moon

If you ever meet Michael Troy, you’ll probably be struck by his humble nature. He’s been through a lot in his life, and he knows better than to put on airs.

But the fact is, Michael Troy is a winner—specifically the 2005 Suwanee Folk Festival Songwriter’s Contest; the 2005 South Florida Folk Festival Songwriter’s Contest; and the 2004 Boston Folk Festival Songwriter’s Contest. He was a finalist in the 2004 Kerrville Folk Festival New Song Contest; the 2nd place winner at the 2004 Woody Guthrie Songwriter’s Contest; the 2nd place winner at the 2004 Chris Austin Songwriter’s Contest at Merlefest; and a finalist in the 2003 USA Songwriter’s Contest.

And he was featured in the emerging artist showcase at the 2003 Southwestern Regional Folk Alliance Conference; the 2003 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference; the 2003 Falconridge Folk Festival; and the 2003 Winterfolk II Festival.

Not bad for a former textile worker, floor finisher and fisherman from Fall River.

I first met Michael at open microphones where he would wow the crowd with his raspy, yet melodic voice, his solid guitar playing and, most of all, his mountain of lyrics. I couldn’t figure out how he could memorize so many darn verses! At the same time, he literally transfixed the crowd.

“Romancing the Moon,” his latest CD does exactly what he did at those open microphones years ago. Raspy, yet melodic singing, fine guitar playing, and verses and verses and verses of lyrics. If you are a “word person,” you’ll love Michael Troy.

What are the songs about? You tell me:

Where the sun sets upon the hill,

On the brick mansions by the sea

That surrounded the playgrounds of hell

My country 'tis of thee.

Where we drank dreams - from a paper bag

And Jack Frost paints the sky in drag

Blood red and gold on a deep blue sea

On purple skies of majesty.

Those are the lyrics from his song “Ricky the Kid.” Or how about these words from the title track:

Now the river's been buried, and the mills shut down

And the people got poor, and the rich left town

In the local bars the story's still told

Of how the looms in the mills, turned cotton to gold.

If you love story songs, if you love lyrics, Michael’s your guy. He's headlined and opened for others at the Narrows. And he never fails to impress the audience.

If you catch Michael at the Narrows or elsewhere, take a moment to pick up "Romancing the Moon."

It's Michael Troy as he is.