MICHAEL MORREALE
If the key to our beautiful city were to be presented to an outstanding musician who has contributed so much to Santa Fe, Michael Morreale would be at the top of the recipient list. Since the mid 90’s Michael has been a vital part of the Northern New Mexico jazz scene, while never claiming residence in The City Different. From several recordings made in NM to numerous concert appearances, Michael has made annual appearances for almost 25 years. Once again, SFMC will present Michael Morreale in a quartet setting at The Museum Hill Cafe, on the heels his 3rd album as a leader. A prolific composer and master musician, this trumpet maverick will thrill you with his amazing musicianship and inside humor. Always sold out, get tickets early at (505) 946-7934.
MICHAEL MORREALE - TRUMPET
BOB FOX - PIANO
COLIN DEUBLE - BASS
JOHN TRENTACOSTA - DRUMS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2nd
MUSEUM HILL CAFE
Doors at 6:00pm - Concert at 7:00pm
TICKETS: $20 (SFMC Member) - $25 (non-member)
Reservations and Info: 505-946-7934
Trumpet player Michael Morreale is a Staten Island native born to a musical family; both parents were Julliard graduates and four uncles were professional musicians. Michael started out playing in jazz-rock inspired horn bands in high school and then fell in love with jazz. He attended CCNY where he was especially inspired by musician Ed Summerlin, graduating with honors in 1979.
Professionally, Michael was busy with commercial work in the NY Metropolitan area and started leading his own jazz group at various Staten Island venues. 1983 was especially fruitful; he took leadership of the Staten Island Chamber Music Players Jazz Quartet. This organization featured annual Summer and Winter concert series as well as school outreach programs. Michael was able to develop his composing during this time; many works were presented in concert and he was fortunate to feature guest performers jazz legends Chuck Wayne, Don Joseph, and Turk Van Lake. The time with Joseph and Van Lake became a dear friendship as well, and they were both beloved musical mentors to Mike.The gig with the Chamber players lasted 25 years, ending only with the organization’s dissolution in 2008.
The other event from 1983 was the beginning of a ten-year association with performing/recording artist Joe Jackson. Michael is featured on six of Jackson’s albums, and two world tours in support of the Body and Soul and Blaze of Glory albums. In 1994 Michael went back to school, earning a Master in Composition from Brooklyn College. A year later he began teaching as an adjunct at College of Staten Island (CUNY), eventually running the jazz department and becoming a full-time Lecturer of Music in 2009.
As a sideman there have been other highlights. In 1997 Michael was invited to play and record with the group Straight Up, (led by fellow Staten Island native John Trentacosta) based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an association that continues to this day. The first recording, Live Jazz in the Desert (1997), was recorded live at the Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos, NM. Michael’s sound and style were captured perfectly, especially on the tune I’ll Close My Eyes, where his Don Joseph roots are especially evident. The second recording from 2002 was called No Need For Words, and two original compositions (May Ann, and One Winslow) were recorded. Cadence magazine described Mike’s playing; “By all indications a devotee of Clifford Brown’s work, Morreale can push the group during the lead chorus of ‘A Horace of a Different Color’ eventually leading into a solo reminiscent of some of the hard bop masters, and then slow down to bring out the vocalistic qualities of the ballad ‘Blame it on My Youth.” In addition to performing with Straight Up for the New Mexico Jazz Festival, Michael has also led concerts at prestigious New Mexico venues such as the Outpost Performance Space and Santa Fe’s Museum Hill for the Santa Fe Jazz Collective.
Other important associations include saxophonist Jerry Vivino, and Michael is featured on his 2006 release Walkin’ With The Wazmo. In 2007 and 2008 he performed with the legendary vocalist Keely Smith at the Café Carlyle, Birdland, and the Tribeca Arts Center as part of the Highlights in Jazz series. His big band sideman work includes the orchestras of Turk Van Lake, Loren Schoenberg, Bob Alexander, (in the NY area) as well as Lou Anderson’s All American Band and Tommy Igoe’s Friday Nite Big Band at Birdland.
Michael maintained a presence in the Staten Island area with his quartet and also as a big band leader. He has written and arranged for Jazz Quintet, Brass Quintet, and big band ensembles. His first CD as leader, Love and Influence (2017), features all original material for quartet and sextet, most of the music composed in the past five years. Michael also performs on piano for two of the tracks. Michael’s trumpet playing owes a debt to his uncles Jimmy Morreale and Jack Morreale for sound. Jack and Carmine Caruso were his two primary trumpet teachers. His jazz approach was mostly realized by listening to and learning from Don Joseph, although Clifford Brown and Art Farmer are big influences as well. The biggest influence however is Miles Davis, and all periods of his career are of great inspiration. Michael’s next CD, which will be released later in 2017, will be called Milessong, The Music of Miles Davis.
Professionally, Michael was busy with commercial work in the NY Metropolitan area and started leading his own jazz group at various Staten Island venues. 1983 was especially fruitful; he took leadership of the Staten Island Chamber Music Players Jazz Quartet. This organization featured annual Summer and Winter concert series as well as school outreach programs. Michael was able to develop his composing during this time; many works were presented in concert and he was fortunate to feature guest performers jazz legends Chuck Wayne, Don Joseph, and Turk Van Lake. The time with Joseph and Van Lake became a dear friendship as well, and they were both beloved musical mentors to Mike.The gig with the Chamber players lasted 25 years, ending only with the organization’s dissolution in 2008.
The other event from 1983 was the beginning of a ten-year association with performing/recording artist Joe Jackson. Michael is featured on six of Jackson’s albums, and two world tours in support of the Body and Soul and Blaze of Glory albums. In 1994 Michael went back to school, earning a Master in Composition from Brooklyn College. A year later he began teaching as an adjunct at College of Staten Island (CUNY), eventually running the jazz department and becoming a full-time Lecturer of Music in 2009.
As a sideman there have been other highlights. In 1997 Michael was invited to play and record with the group Straight Up, (led by fellow Staten Island native John Trentacosta) based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an association that continues to this day. The first recording, Live Jazz in the Desert (1997), was recorded live at the Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos, NM. Michael’s sound and style were captured perfectly, especially on the tune I’ll Close My Eyes, where his Don Joseph roots are especially evident. The second recording from 2002 was called No Need For Words, and two original compositions (May Ann, and One Winslow) were recorded. Cadence magazine described Mike’s playing; “By all indications a devotee of Clifford Brown’s work, Morreale can push the group during the lead chorus of ‘A Horace of a Different Color’ eventually leading into a solo reminiscent of some of the hard bop masters, and then slow down to bring out the vocalistic qualities of the ballad ‘Blame it on My Youth.” In addition to performing with Straight Up for the New Mexico Jazz Festival, Michael has also led concerts at prestigious New Mexico venues such as the Outpost Performance Space and Santa Fe’s Museum Hill for the Santa Fe Jazz Collective.
Other important associations include saxophonist Jerry Vivino, and Michael is featured on his 2006 release Walkin’ With The Wazmo. In 2007 and 2008 he performed with the legendary vocalist Keely Smith at the Café Carlyle, Birdland, and the Tribeca Arts Center as part of the Highlights in Jazz series. His big band sideman work includes the orchestras of Turk Van Lake, Loren Schoenberg, Bob Alexander, (in the NY area) as well as Lou Anderson’s All American Band and Tommy Igoe’s Friday Nite Big Band at Birdland.
Michael maintained a presence in the Staten Island area with his quartet and also as a big band leader. He has written and arranged for Jazz Quintet, Brass Quintet, and big band ensembles. His first CD as leader, Love and Influence (2017), features all original material for quartet and sextet, most of the music composed in the past five years. Michael also performs on piano for two of the tracks. Michael’s trumpet playing owes a debt to his uncles Jimmy Morreale and Jack Morreale for sound. Jack and Carmine Caruso were his two primary trumpet teachers. His jazz approach was mostly realized by listening to and learning from Don Joseph, although Clifford Brown and Art Farmer are big influences as well. The biggest influence however is Miles Davis, and all periods of his career are of great inspiration. Michael’s next CD, which will be released later in 2017, will be called Milessong, The Music of Miles Davis.
WITH SINCERE THANKS - TO OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS AND GRANTOR
Meredith Speers and Seamus Malin
|
|
|
|
DICK and LAURIE MEYER
DAVE EDWARDS
ELAINE and MICHAEL BROWN
BRUCE JOHNSON and DIANE RAMSEY
MARY and GARY KILPATRIC
KATHY and RICK ABELES
Sustaining Members: ANNA and MARK DAVIS
Sustaining Members: JERI and DON BALICK
DAVE EDWARDS
ELAINE and MICHAEL BROWN
BRUCE JOHNSON and DIANE RAMSEY
MARY and GARY KILPATRIC
KATHY and RICK ABELES
Sustaining Members: ANNA and MARK DAVIS
Sustaining Members: JERI and DON BALICK
