Interview with Michael “Hurly” Hurwitz from Freddys Finest!

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Live from the Midnight Circus talks with Michael Hurwitz Bassist and front man of Freddys Finest! Michael also has film credits as the bass player in the movie Joyful Noise with Queen Latifah and Dolly Pardon. Tune in and hear about his new project and listen to what he is doing with Freddys Finest.

Freddys Finest Website: https://www.freddysfinest.com/ 

Music on Main Street Website: https://www.musiconmainstreetlilburn.com/

Freddy’s Finest features front man Hurly on bass and vocals, Ian Newberry from Newberry Jam on guitar, Spencer Pope on keys and Will Groth holding down the skins. FF has a unique sound that combines the groove of classic soul with the energy of modern funk with a heavy blues undertone. Freddy’s Finest is an original band with a catalog of songs and grooves with a huge range of styles that makes for a very versatile sound. They also cover a few classics from the likes of the Beatles, Otis Redding, James Brown, etc.

Michael “Hurly” Hurwitz, bass

Michael “Hurly” HurwitzMichael Hurwitz, a.k.a. Hurly, grew up in Waycross, Georgia. Early on, southern rock, blues, and soul made an impression on this young player, who was lucky enough to share the stage with a true legend, Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie) for the first time at the age of 16. Hurly moved to Atlanta, Ga. in 2007 to pursue a musical career; not long after he was embraced by it and began playing with such talents as Donna Hopkins, Diane Durrett, Ralph Roddenbery, and the group Stop Drop and Roll. In 2009 Michael was picked up by the Tommy Talton Band where he continues to make appearances. Hurly had been lucky enough to share the stage with such greats as Maceo Parker, Kofi and Oteil Burbridge, Grant Green, Jr., Chuck Leavell, Randall Bramblett, Greg Allman, and Jimmy Hall to name a few. In 2011 Hurly released his first solo album, Home Again.

In 2012 he was the bass guitar player in the film, Joyful Noise, with Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton.

Ian Newberry, guitar

Ian NewberryIan Newberry grew up in Dallas, Georgia where he began taking guitar lessons at the age of 13. During high school, Ian participated in Jazz Band and also Atlanta Youth Jazz Orchestra. After graduation, Ian enrolled in the Jazz Studies program at Georgia State University’s School of Music.

Along with his love for jazz, Ian has proven his proficiency in several styles of music including bluegrass, rock, and blues. Ian maintains a busy performance schedule as both a sideman, and as a leader of his own creations. He has had the privilege to share the stage with many accomlished names in the music scene, including Bernard Purdie, Kofi Burbridge, and Yonrico Scott (of Derek Trucks Band), Sleepy Brown, Joi, Killer Mike, and more. Ian looks forward to traveling abroad with his music.

Spencer Pope, keyboards

Spencer PopeSpencer has been involved in the Atlanta music scene since 1997, when he played his first gig at the Somber Reptile. Since 2001 he’s made a living off the music industry in some way or another. He toured with a jam band, made horrific pop music, ran sound in dive bars for four years, toured some more, and has had fun doing it. His favorite things in the world are writing and playing music, and he feels blessed every day he gets to do these things.

In addition to his solo work and work as a sideman, Spencer is member of Atlanta bands Sovus Radio and Ocha La Rocha. He has recorded with Ocha la Rocha, Andy the Doorbum, Anna Kramer and the Lost Cause, Pink Police, Hot Young Priest, Variac, PPR, a variety of country sessions, the Soundmen, and many more. On a side note, Spencer’s wedding was presided over by Rockette Morton, bassist for the legendary Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band.

In 2012 Spencer released his first solo recording The Dark The Light.

Will Groth

Will GrothWill Groth is the fabulously talented drummer for Freddys Finest. His full bio will be available soon!