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Michael plays all over the world in multiple settings; from New Orleans style brass band to chamber orchestra to small group jazz. You name it: Michael’s probably done it. In the fall of 2019, Michael subbed with Youngblood Brass Band for their European tour.
When in Philadelphia, Michael regularly plays with the Bachelor Boys Band for private events and weddings along the east coast. In addition, Michael plays regularly with Bethany Brooks at City Church Philadelphia and whenever Taylor Kelly calls for a "soul" gig, he's there. While living in Chicago, he appeared regularly at The Green Mill, Chicago's legendary jazz club, with Alan Gresik and the Swing Shift Orchestra. He is a member of J-Livi and the Party and Four Star Brass Band, two dominant brass bands in the Chicago area. Both bands have recorded albums released in the last few years- Four Star released "Get Your Four Star On" released in 2015. J-Livi and the Party released an album in 2016 with mostly original brass band music called "Come and Share my Life." Recently, Michael recorded a new album with J-Livi and the Party soon to be released! During Michael's time at Northwestern, he was fortunate to co-found a hip hop group called The Syndicate - plans are in the works to record an EP with The Syndicate sometime soon. Michael was fortunate to be a member of the 2013 Disneyland All-American College Band and previously performed with The Cincy Brass, Cincinnati's award-winning brass band. Michael has studied jazz and classical trumpet since the age of 10, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University. His mentors have included Victor Goines, Brad Mason, Kim Pensyl, Scott Belck, Phil DeGreg, and Rick VanMatre. |
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Founded by Chicago trombone player Jeff Livorsi, J-Livi and The Party is a high-energy brass band that focuses on funk and hip-hop music. Their newest studio recording, "Mixtape" can be found on all streaming services and the band can be seen in performances around the Chicago area.
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The Syndicate was founded by students at Northwestern University, but has grown to have a presence throughout the Chicago area. The Syndicate won Northwestern University's 2014 Battle of the Bands competition with their exciting blend of jazz, hip-hop and funk styles. The Syndicate plans to record and release an album sometime in the near future.
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The Syndicate |
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In February 2015, Michael performed the National Anthem at a Chicago Bulls [NBA]. In a game earlier in the season, he was featured in a performance of The Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy with The LuvaBulls, the Bulls' popular dance team.
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Michael has played jazz trumpet and majored in Jazz Studies in undergrad and grad school. This is one of Michael's original compositions, "Missing" written in 2014. This was performed in 2016 during a Living Room Series put on by Alvin Cobb. Michael has several other jazz trumpet videos/clips on Youtube and Soundcloud.
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Want to hear more? Check out Michael's Soundcloud.
| MichaelJonesTrumpetResume.pdf |