Bio

photo: Bill Cornett

Michael's reputation for excellence as a keyboard player and composer has been established over the last twenty-plus years. He has been a member of some of the premier progressive jazz,
soul and blues ensembles in the Washington, D.C. area and,
more recently, Vermont and New Hampshire. Originally from Maryland, he has worked extensively along the East Coast and beyond, playing jazz, R&B and pop. His skills on piano, electric piano, organ and synthesizer have kept him in demand for work in nightclubs, concerts, special events, television and recording sessions.

Career highlights include a two-year stint with blues guitarist Tom Principato and two years with saxophonist Tim Eyermann's East Coast Offering . Michael was also a founding member of the legendary D.C. progressive jazz group Rush Hour and has appeared with many D.C. area notables including the late great guitarist Danny Gatton. After moving to Vermont in the fall of 1996, Michael began working with R&B diva Sandra Wright. In addition to ongoing work with Sandra, Michael plays frequent jazz duos with bassist Ellen Powell, has worked extensively with Montpelier vocalist Allison Mann and does freelance gigs around Vermont and beyond. In the summer of 2004, Michael toured internationally with two-time Grammy nominated soul and blues artist Mighty Sam McClain and his band.