Michael is a jazz pianist in New England, and has been gigging in the area as a pianist and drummer for decades. He holds a Master of Music degree in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music and has studied with Jerry Bergonzi, Ran Blake, Rakalam Bob Moses, Ethan Iverson, Jason Moran, Bert Seager and Frank Carlberg. Michael is on the jazz faculty of the NEC Preparatory School and the NEC School of Continuing Education.
Michael is skilled in many different kinds of music, from classical to jazz to rock to musical theater to Motown and R&B. This is no accident. Starting with classical piano lessons at age 4, Michael was exposed to many types of music and wanted to play it all. As a teenager, he of course listened to all the rock music of the time and of the previous three decades, and also discovered jazz and big bands. Early during his college career, he started studying jazz piano formally with the great Mike Marra. Since leaving college, he has played in rock bands, jazz bands, wedding dance bands, and musical theater pit orchestras. He even has occasionally performed classical music, including a few wedding ceremonies. Not surprisingly, his skills have been in demand from a wide range of musical ensembles and situations.
Michael's first album as a leader - a jazz trio album entitled "Two Fist Rig" - has been released! Get it here.
Michael is skilled in many different kinds of music, from classical to jazz to rock to musical theater to Motown and R&B. This is no accident. Starting with classical piano lessons at age 4, Michael was exposed to many types of music and wanted to play it all. As a teenager, he of course listened to all the rock music of the time and of the previous three decades, and also discovered jazz and big bands. Early during his college career, he started studying jazz piano formally with the great Mike Marra. Since leaving college, he has played in rock bands, jazz bands, wedding dance bands, and musical theater pit orchestras. He even has occasionally performed classical music, including a few wedding ceremonies. Not surprisingly, his skills have been in demand from a wide range of musical ensembles and situations.
Michael's first album as a leader - a jazz trio album entitled "Two Fist Rig" - has been released! Get it here.
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April 6, 2020: This pandemic has us all quarantined for now, but musicians are continuing to collaborate online from the safety of their homes. Here is me, me, me, me and me accompanying stellar vocalist and friend Samantha Farrell. This is the third and currently latest video in her split-screen quarantine series that she plans to continue until we can all play out again. Enjoy! Video created and edited by the fabulous and highly recommended DeSant Productions.
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