Album Notes

John Michaels

Jazz Guitarist John Michaels has performed in the Western Massachusetts area since the early 1990's. During that time, with both the Interplay Jazz Band and the Valley Jazz Ensemble he has played at some of the region's top clubs and festivals. Originally from Syracuse, New York, John has studied with some of that region's top instructors including Rick Balestra (SUNY Oswego, Hamilton College, Stanley Turrentine) and Joe Jewell (Cal State Fullerton Professor). Since relocating to Western Massachusetts John has also studied with Steve Cardenas (Paul Motian's Electric Be-Bop Band, Joey Baron, Les McCann) and has studied as well as performed with Trombonist Ed Byrne Currently, he has just recorded his first CD as well as starting a non-profit organization that will attempt to enhance the visibility of Jazz musicians on both the regional and national level.