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Trombonist Michael Dease has won high praise for his skills as a player, composer, and producer. Since his arrival in 2001, Dease has already developed a distinctive personal sound that leaves a lasting impression with musicians, critics and jazz fans.
In June 2008, Michael joined the Dizzy Gillespie™All-Star Big Band. He has also performed with Natalie Cole, Jamie Cullum, Wycliffe Gordon, Jason Hainsworth Jazz Orchestra, Slide Hampton’s World of Trombones, Herbie Hancock, Billy Harper, John Lee, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, Luis Miguel, James Moody, Nicholas Payton, Claudio Roditi, Paul Simon, and Mark Whitfield.
Born August 25th, 1982 in Augusta, Georgia, Michael initially played alto and tenor saxophones. The switch to trombone came abruptly during his senior year in high school. It was such a natural transition that Michael won four all-state competitions before graduating. In the fall of 2001, after moving to New York, Dease began studying with fellow Augusta, Georgia native Wycliffe Gordon during the inaugural year of The Juilliard School’s jazz program. Michael spent five years at Juilliard earning Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in jazz performance.
NEA Jazz Master Curtis Fuller, Dease’s original inspiration to switch to trombone and a valuable mentor, stated “I predict that Michael Dease will become one of the world’s great trombone masters” in a 2004 interview. With his considerable chops and writing skills, Michael Dease and his hot Harlem Five will groove your dancing feet. |
