News

Piano Project Recording Session

In August 2007, Mike started a new CD project to record some orignal piano pieces. The project will have pianists from around the country recording Mike's "classical" pieces. Pianists from Detroit, Chicago, Tampa, Indianapolis, Denver & Los Angeles will each record one or two pieces. Mike will be recording 2 pieces for 2 pianos on the project & he will be playing both parts in the studio. In all, there will be 12 pieces that show a different side of Mike as a composer. These pieces will also be available for sale as a set, or individually when the project is released later next year.

NYC Recording Session

Mike traveled to NYC on April 21 to record with Mike Stern on 3 new pieces. These pieces feature a 20-piece string orchestra, a super-sax quartet, and a rhythm section of Jimmy Haslip on bass & Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. The session was held at The Studio in Soho by guitarist and studio owner Yoshiaki Masuo. One of these pieces is an arrangement of “Sandbox” by Leni Stern that uses a 20-piece string orchestra. Listen to excerpts.

Chicago Recording Session

Mike recently returned from a great recording session on March 26th in Chicago at Chicago Recording Company. He was recording 3 big band pieces with a 12 piece big band made up of some of Chicago’s best players. “These guys were a real thrill to work with” was Mike’s take on the session.

Three CDs to be Released

Mike plans to release two CD projects this year. Entering the Stream is a jazz record recorded in 2001 that Mike is preparing for release this summer. The violin/piano duo recording with Sara Caswell will follow in the Fall. Also, finishing touches are being made to There Was A Time for release next year. This is a ballad CD featuring a 12-piece string orchestra, some solo piano selections & various small groups with vocalist & trumpet. The rhythm section was made up of Richard Drexler & Danny Gottlieb & also includes Chicago musicians Art Davis, Janice Borla & Rick Vitek. More news to follow on this project.

LA Recording Session

Mike traveled to LA in January to record with Yellowjacket bass player, Jimmy Haslip, for the second time. This time out Jimmy suggested the legendary drummer, Vinnie Colaiuta, for the session. The range of the 3 pieces from jazz waltz, to jazz swing, to urban funk reminiscent of Steely Dan presented no problems for this duo. "It was just amazing to watch this guys play my charts! It was a fun session & these guys delivered."  Mike was obviously pleased with the results.