Artist description Dr. Michael Waldrop is Director of Jazz Studies/Percussion at Mesa State College. He has a Bachelorīs degree in percussion performance from the University of North Texas, a Masters in Jazz Studies from the University of Memphis, and a Doctorate in Performance from the University of North Texas. He has been a professional musician for the past 25 years. This career has been extensive and varied, ranging from rock and jazz styles to performances with major symphonies in the United States and abroad. He was a member of the Grammy nominated One OīClock Lab Band and recorded two CDīs with the group, and has been on several tours, including a European tour of the Broadway production of 42nd Street and a tour of Turkey with Prix di Rome prize-winning composer Kamran Ince and his ensemble. In addition, he has performed with Maureen McGovern, Della Reese, Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Eliane Elias and Slide Hampton. Dr. Waldrop was also a member of Blue Note recording artist Bob Beldenīs quartet. He has played on many recording projects ranging from country to electronic dance music, movie soundtracks and commercial jingles, and has recorded two albums of his own original music. In addition to his duties at Mesa State College Dr. Waldrop is Principal Percussionist with the Grand Junction Symphony, Director of the Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra and performs extensively as both a jazz and classical artist. Dr. Waldrop endorses Yamaha percussion instruments and is a Yamaha clinician.

Music Style Jazz

Musical Influences Straight ahead jazz, ECM, Modern fusion, classical music, world music

Similar Artists Peter Erskine, Keith Jarrett, Eliane Elias

Artist History The recordings here represent some of Waldrop's best work from '90 to '03. The CD "Triangularity" was recorded in the summer of 2002 in Denver at Greywood Studios and Mastered at Airshow Mastering in Boulder. Vlad Girshevich is the pianist on Triangularity. Mr. Girshevich is from Tashkent, Uzbekistan and is one of the most in demand pianists in Denver. He is an extremely virtuosic pianist range with a beautiful lyrical touch and a wide range of emotion and dynamics. Eric Thorin plays bass on Triangularity. He is a phenomenal bassist with a deep sense of groove and a rich sound. Mr. Thorin records and performs with the best jazz musicians in the Denver area. The CD "Dark Stew" was recorded from 1990 to 2002. It represents the more electric/fusion side of Walrop's output. The CD features a variety of great musicians and was recorded in Memphis, NY, and Texas. Some of the more prominent musicians on the CD are virtuoso guitarists Jimi Tunnell(Steps Ahead, Omar Hakim), Charlton Johnson(Count Basie, Bobby Blue Bland) and Dallas guitarist Jason Bucklin(Cafe Noir). Pianist/keyboard players on the CD include legendary Memphis jazz pianist Gene Rush, Kary Baddour, and Steve Snyder. Waldrop also plays some keyboards on this CD. Some of the bass players on this CD are virtuosic Memphis bassist Tim Goodwin and Dallas bassist Buddy Mohmed. Memphis horn players Tom Link(sax) and Scott Thompson(trumpet) are featured on a few of the cuts on this album.

Group Members In addition to Waldrop this CD features jazz Gene Rush, bassist Tim Goodwin, pianist Steve Snyder, bassist Buddy Mohmed, guitarist Jason Bucklin, guitarist Jimi Tunnell, pianist Vlad Girshevich and bassist Eric Thorin.

Instruments Drums, Piano, Bass, Guitar, synthesizers,saxophones, trumpet

Albums Triangularity and Dark Stew

Press Reviews "Michael Waldrop is an excellent drummer, percussionist and composer. The writing and playing on Waldrop's 'Triangularity' is world class. Check it out."- Steve Smith, drummer for Journey and Steps Ahead among others. Steve is the 2002 inductee into Modern Drummer's Hall of Fame. He is a 5 time winner of their drummer of the year "Waldrop shows a clear concept of the contemporary direction of jazz drumming. His compositions are fresh, poignant and interesting to listen to. The versatility and variety of music is impressive. The music is on the leading edge but also shows a sold sense of tradition. Pianist Girshevich has an excellent harmonic sense. Bassist Thorin has a great sound. Michael Waldrop's CD 'Triangularity' is very enjoyable and I recommend it to any fan of contemporary jazz"- Dan Haerle, legendary jazz educator, pianist, composer and author

Location Grand Junction, CO - USA

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