NEW
YORK (Top40 Charts) - From contemporary chill, smooth, hip-hop and
latin jazz to sensitive quiet storm formats, "Urbanized" presents a
fresh assortment of rhythmic and melodic instrumental compositions
featuring Mike on piano, keyboards and production.
"Joe Sample,
George Duke, Down To The Bone, and Michael Brecker aficionados will be
well-served with this assortment of urban instrumental arrangements
which highlight Mike's various influences and versatile writing,
playing and production style."
11 original fresh, funky,
instrumental compositions and an outstanding remake of Stevie Wonder's
"Too High" make up this very musically hip and groove-oriented CD. By
incorporating contemporary rhythms and textures with the musicianship
of some of New York's finest, Mike is able to incorporate his varied
experiences and wide range of musical influences into an impressive and
tasteful debut. "The idea behind the CD is to connect with the rhythms
and grooves that are happening today and hopefully provide an
interesting blend where melody and harmonic creativity can be
incorporated with popular rhythm formats."
Mike's range of
performing credits include works with such artists as Whitney Houston,
Cissy Houston, and Gerald Alston where he has performed at various NYC
landmarks such as Carnegie Hall,
Radio City
Music Hall, Madison Square
Garden, the Blue Note and the world-famous Apollo Theater.
In
addition to Mike's piano, keyboard and production credits, this CD is
highlighted with standout instrumental performances from NY-based
world-class musicians Bob Malach on tenor sax and Vinnie Cutro on
trumpet, two extraordinary and well-traveled musicians in their own
right who both provide a harmonically sophisticated jazz edge that
compliments the feel of this project. For those of you unfamiliar with
them, their backgrounds range from performing and recording with Stevie
Wonder, Joe Zawinul, Steve Miller, Robben Ford, Yellowjackets, Dr.
John, Horace
Silver and Lionel Hampton to name just a few.
Percussionist Frank Valdes whose work with Tito Puente and Machito
among others adds a great deal to the vibe with tasteful conga and
percussion work throughout. Additional musicians on selected tracks
include Willy Dalton on nylon string guitar who adds a tasteful solo on
"Northern Samba" and Karl Latham who lays down the groove on "Too High'
on the drums.
From contemporary chill, smooth, hip-hop and latin
jazz to sensitive quiet storm formats, "Urbanized" presents a fresh
assortment of rhythmic and melodic instrumental compositions always
based on keeping the groove.
