Michael Iafrate
Genre:
Band Members:
Michael John Iafrate, joined on occasion by the current Priesthood lineup of Josh Taylor, Clint Sutton, Matt Smith, and Sean Decker.
Hometown:
Biography:
For over two decades, West Virginia's Michael John Iafrate has honed his craft as a performer alongside his work as a member of some of the state's most creative music acts, such as The Minus Tide and Killed At Camp, carefully developing a unique voice among regional songwriters.
Iafrate’s soft-spoken contemplative song-explorations are often enriched by his training as a theologian—asking more questions than providing answers, commingling the worlds of flesh and spirit, and holding received images and traditions up to the light in respect, playfulness, and negation.
Whether performed solo or fleshed out by kindred musician-spirits as M Iafrate & The Priesthood, Iafrate’s songs reveal shifting shades of meaning and offer the incense of devotion to such influences as Jason Molina, Will Oldham, Neil Young, classic R.E.M., Elliott Smith, Gillian Welch, Townes Van Zandt, and Elephant Micah. He has performed on stage alongside acts like Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co., Bonnie “Prince” Billy, The Anomoanon, Papa M, Brightblack Morning Light, and Matt Pond PA.
In the years following his acclaimed 2005 full-length "O Happy Marriage," Iafrate released a number of singles and EPs. The Priesthood's "Christian Burial" followed in May 2017, presenting Iafrate’s introspective “theo-folk” through thoughtful and dignified arrangements and solidifying Iafrate's place, in the words of one of the state’s most seasoned music veterans, as “West Virginia’s most esteemed hyper theologian.”
Merchandise:
M Iafrate & The Priesthood - Christian Burial (CD)
Next Show:
09/29/2018 - Pittsburgh, PA: Four Songwriters, One River 9/29 at Club Cafe
10/04/2018 - Wheeling, WV: Michael Iafrate performing at Live Music Thursday
10/13/2018 - Bellaire, OH: Michael Iafrate at the Ohio Valley Farmers Market
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