MHB
MHB
BIO
Born and raised in Denver, Michael Hornbuckle carries forward a storied legacy as the son of legendary Colorado bluesman Bobby Hornbuckle. With roots in a musical upbringing, Michael began backing his father on drums at just 13, and after Bobby’s passing in 1996, he shouldered the musical torch alongside his brother Brian on bass .
In 1998, Michael and Brian released their debut album Pass the Torch, a raw and heartfelt blues/rock collection featuring originals, Cream’s “Outside Woman Blues,” and a homage to Bobby with “Down in the Valley” . After sharing the Red Rocks stage with The Doobie Brothers, Hornbuckle toured nationally with Texas blues powerhouse Vince Converse and delivered the acoustic blues album Here Come the Blues on New Shoes Records .
Michael’s 2005 album Lost & Found by Trial & Error showcased his evolution as a songwriter and brought clarity and depth to his guitar and vocal approach . A pivotal meeting in Los Angeles in 2012 with music producer Alex “Ace” Baker led to the acclaimed Virtue & Vice, further elevating his sound and presence in the blues-rock scene .
By 2015, Michael and his band impressed on a larger stage: after performing at the Telluride Blues Festival, the Mile High Blues Society honored them as “Best Blues Band” and “Best Self-Produced Album,” and sent them to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis to represent Colorado .
The momentum continued into 2016, with Hornbuckle reuniting with Ace Baker on his latest release, and earning nominations in the Colorado Rock Awards for categories including Best Songwriter, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Blues Band .
Musical Style & Live Experience
The Michael Hornbuckle Band delivers a soulful blend of authentic blues and rock, anchored by Michael’s warm, expressive vocals and gritty guitar work. Live, the band offers an immersive, high-energy performance—mixing classic blues sensibilities with modern songwriting, capturing both emotional depth and a rollicking stage presence.
Discography Highlights
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Pass the Torch (1998): Intimate tribute to his father, blending original compositions with legendary blues covers
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Here Come the Blues (acoustic, early 2000s): Stripped-back showcase of roots-based blues
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Lost & Found by Trial & Error (2005): A turning point in songwriting craft and voice
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Virtue & Vice (2012): Produced with Alex “Ace” Baker; marked a mature and polished band sound
Awards & Recognition
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Honored as Best Blues Band and awarded Best Self‑Produced Album by the Mile High Blues Society
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Represented Colorado at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis
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Colorado Rock Awards nominee: Best Songwriter, Best Male Vocalist, Best Blues Band
With over three decades of performing experience and a lineage deeply embedded in Colorado blues, the Michael Hornbuckle Band continues to captivate audiences regionally and beyond. Whether on stage at local venues or festivals like Telluride Blues Festival, their music honors tradition while forging its own path.