Description

Whether blowing bebop over a Mingus tune or freely improvising with Anthony Braxton, Michael contributions have changed the conception of what the bassoon can do. Since graduating with a BFA in music performance from SUNY at Purchase in the late seventies Michael’s improvisatory skills opened the door for the bassoon to enter a variety of musical environments not traditionally associated with the instrument. He has recorded with Ira Sullivan, Red Rodney, Wynton Marsalis, John Hicks, Dave Douglas, Chris Potter and Joe Lovano. His festival appearances include Chicago, Montreal, Berlin, Tri-city, Tanglewood, San Francisco and Hollywood Bowl. Michael is a founding member of The Charles Mingus Orchestra which can be heard regularly at the jazz clubs in NYC. Buffet Crampon USA has been Michael’s sponsor for the past twenty five years and has supported his participation in performances and master classes at the Double Reed Events. Cats Paw Records released Michael’s six CD as a leader called Uncharted Waters in 2017 which garnered international praise. In the past year Michael has taught master classes and performed concerts at Curtis/Boston Conservatory and the following Universities: Appalachia State, James Madison, Yale & Michigan. In early March of “23 his 7th CD called Next Chapter was released featuring recent compositions accompanied by a stellar NYC trio.