Americana-rock from San Francisco’s legendary Hyde Street Studios, featuring veteran musicians from Steely Dan, The Tubes, and Earth Wind & Fire.
Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes blend Americana, blues, and soul-driven rock with lyrics that speak to both personal and political landscapes. Based out of San Francisco’s historic Hyde Street Studios, the band features veteran musicians from Steely Dan, The Tubes, and Earth Wind & Fire. Their latest release, Brighter Days (2024), captures the group’s powerful musicianship, legacy, and commitment to keeping the San Francisco sound alive.
Highlights
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"Brighter Days" (2024 Album), recorded at San Francisco’s historic Hyde Street Studios
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Performances at Great American Music Hall (SF) and The Bitter End (NYC)
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Tribute concert honoring guitarist Drew Zingg (Steely Dan) with top NYC musicians
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Band members include veterans of Steely Dan, The Tubes, and Taj Mahal
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Politically charged songwriting rooted in blues, soul, and West Coast Americana
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17.9K monthly Spotify listeners and growing
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Press Reviews
“This music is a brush fire. This is goosebump music."
— American Highways
“In a world where music often serves as a reflection of societal shifts and personal journeys, Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience.”
— Rokvolution Magazine
“'Brighter Days' is proof that such a large group of people, after more than two decades of working together, are perfectly attuned to each other... The sound is tight.”
— Alt Country
BIO
Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes is a progressive American rock band rooted in the rich musical traditions of the West Coast. Since 2000, singer, songwriter, and producer Michael Ward has led the ensemble through an evolving body of work defined by lyrical depth, rhythmic precision, and expansive instrumental interplay. The band features drummer Prairie Prince (The Tubes, Journey, Tom Waits, XTC), guitarist Chris Von Sneidern (John Wesley Harding, Chuck Prophet), saxophonist Richard Howell (Etta James, Earth Wind & Fire), bassist Dave Jess (Henry Kaiser, Freddy Roulette), percussionist Fernando DeSanjines (Chalo Eduardo, Escola Nova), and keyboardist Joshua Raoul Brody (BATS Improv, The Residents, Robin Williams Lily Tomlin).
Blending blues, Americana, Memphis soul, and classic rock into a distinctly West Coast sound, Dogs and Fishes balance deep roots with exploratory musicianship. Having performed together for over two decades, the group operates with rare musical telepathy — allowing arrangements to breathe and evolve while remaining grounded in strong songwriting.
The band also honors the legacy of guitarist Drew Zingg (Steely Dan, Michael McDonald), whose artistry and musical voice were an integral part of Dogs and Fishes for many years. Following their album Brighter Days, recorded at Hyde Street Studios, the band returns with the new single Animal Magic, out February 27, 2026.
Notable Performances
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Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, Sept 2024
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The Bitter End – New York City, Drew Zingg Tribute, 2025
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Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley, CA
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The Alcazar Theater – San Francisco Hardly Strictly "Out of the Park" Series, 2022