Highway 61

"As for prescient songwriting, few have been more successful than Dylan at marking a historic trend in one era that plays accurately in another. The sinister, surreal cavalcade thrown up in 'Highway 61' many decades ago on his transgressive 1st rock album is a prime example of this talent. Somehow it captures our nation's clown show dilemma in disturbing detail without resorting to newsy rhetoric which allows us the luxury of an unabashed rave up. This tune has been a staple of our live shows for quite a while for just this reason. It was recorded almost as a goof at the end of sessions for our last full album, and in the depths of lockdown isolation, I drug it out and began the long distance production, me in Wyoming and Will in San Francisco. A thoroughly modern endeavor." ~ Michael Ward

Michael Ward is a singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist, producer and owner of renowned Hyde Street Studios in San Fransisco, formerly Wally Heider Studios. Living and playing in the Bay Area since 1967, Michael has fronted many bands, all of which have been built around his unique compositions. His current group, Michael Ward with Dogs & Fishes, blends elements of r'n'b, jazz,
country, folk, world beat and americana.

Michael’s production credits include projects with the BaAka tribe of the Ituri Forest on their 1st trip to the US, recording performances in the studio to be synchronized with live performances of Lines Ballet, as were performances by Pharaoh Sanders, Zakir Hussein and The Sacred Text Ensemble, a collection of operettas by the Overtone Theater, rock bands Potato Eaters and Earthlings; composers
Beth Custer, Joshua Brody and Olan Jones, as well as producing and arranging all his own tracks.

Prarie Prince, drums, percussion. Founding and current member of The Tubes, founding member of Journey, has recorded and played live with Chris Isaak, Todd Rundgren, Brian Eno, David Byrne, XTC, Tom Waits, Paul Kantner, George Harrison, Dick Dale , Glenn Frey, Richard Marx, John Fogerty and many more.

Chris Von Sneidern, guitar, vocals. John Wesley Harding, Chuck Prophet, international tours with his own ensemble.

Richard Howell, saxaphone, vocals. Etta James, Taj Mahal, Earth, Wind & Fire, many, many more. Signed by Lenny White to his label for a soon to be released album of Richard’s own band and material.

Drew Zingg, guitar. Steely Dan, Boz Skaggs, New York R'N'B Ensemble, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen.

Jeff Cleland, bass. Hop Sauce, Sister Moses, April Cope, Funky Little Shack.

Fernando De Sanjines, drums, world percussion. Chalo Eduardo, Escola Nova, Samba do Coracao.