47UMa 47UMa
47UMa first appeared on the Detroit music scene in April 1997. Appearing at local clubs and local festivals, the band soon began a series of recording projects. In November 1997 47UMa appeared on the Zhambee-Karlt label (European distribution) as part of a Detroit compilation, performing the Jefferson Airplane classic White Rabbit. In early 2000, 47UMa recorded African Dream for the University of Michigan-Dearborn Diversity CD. The song was chosen as the first cut on the compilation which was nominated as "Best Compilation" in the 2000 Detroit Metro Times Music Awards.
Soon after that, the band began writing their own material, revamped their lineup and began a series of local appearance that lead to multiple live appearances on the MSNBC-TV/WJR-AM Mitch Albom Show. In February 2002, 47UMa released their self-titled CD on MEGAWAVE Records and received three 2002 Detroit Music Awards nominations. 47UMa went on to perform at numerous club shows and festivals before members embarked on other projects.
Gail Baker, vocals and guitar
Gail has performed professionally in the Detroit area since 1980. She has appeared with jazz ensembles, rock groups and reggae bands. Gail's performance on the recording Live at Chaps-on-Main led to heavy rotation on local Detroit jazz radio. It subsequently was chosen by The Detroit News as one of the top ten jazz releases of 1980. In 1983 she co-produced, wrote and performed on a release by What If Thinking which was chosen by Billboard magazine as "Pick Hit of the Week." That recording and subsequent others have received national airplay. Gail has toured extensively throughout the United States. Gail has received Detroit Metro Times Music Awards nominations as "Best Female Vocalist". She shared the 1984 Metro Times Award of "Best New Group" with "What If Thinking." and in 2000 appeared with 47UMa on a compilation release that was nominated for a Metro Times Award. Gail has written and co-produced many recordings throughout her career and co-wrote most of the songs of 47UMa with Mike Friedman, adding melodies and lyrics to his rhythms.
Mike Friedman, drums
Mike has played drums in the Detroit area for over 30 years. A student of all musical styles, he originates songs for 47UMa from world rhythms that he has explored. Mike has performed in the Catskills of New York, in California and throughout the Midwest. His many recording performances include local Detroit releases as well as soundtracks for major corporations. He has hosted seminars, drum lectures and classes for performing drummers. Well known in the Detroit area, Mike frequently appears live with some of Detroit's finest musicians.
Joining Gail Baker and Mike Friedman on their studio project are Steve Rouse, electric bass, and multi-genre guitar talent Jake Reichbart. Steve has appeared regularly at Detroit venues throughout his career, and Jake, an international talent and active session player, has been a member of Lunar Octet and Five Guys Named Moe.