Artist description "Being able to adapt to any musical situation on the spot," is how multifaceted guitarist Michael Aarons is best described. Michael is fast becoming one of the most in demand guitarists on the scene today. Over the years Michael has built an impressive resume playing on the sidelines with virtually everyone from Issac Hayes, Gloria Gaynor, Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald, Ben E. King, LaLa Brooks of the Crystals, Petula Clark, The 5th Dimension, Deneise Williams, and Jive recording artist Marc Dorsey. An experienced professional jazz musician, Michael has also performed or recorded with Lionel Hampton, The Count Basie Orchestra, Freda Payne, Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, and Blue Note recording artist Rodney Jones. Originally from Washington D.C., Michael has made appearances for Bill Clinton at the White House and for Al Gore at the Naval Observatory. He has also played on the Fox Morning News and was commissioned to perform at the American Embassy in Paris, France to represent jazz education in Washington, D.C.. Michael attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and later received his Bachelor of Music (BM) degree at the Manhattan School of Music where he studied under the tutelage of Jack Wilkins and Rodney Jones. Michael is currently teaching privately, and building a student-base throughout New York. He most recently wrote, recorded, produced and performed all original musical arrangements for the off-Broadway production of OYL. He can also be heard on the debut recording, "Sheera Ben-David sings Jacques Brel", as well as performing as guitarist with the R&B group, Kaliq as well as the funk/R&B quartet, A.D.D.. Michael is an original member of the Tom Kitt Band, a popular New York City-based piano driven pop group and can also be seen playing all the New York City hotspots, like Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom and Arlene Grocery. Michael has played for numerous productions for impresario, David Gest, and has played the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame for the "Holiday Gala: 2000" featuring Michael McDonald. Michael also works for numerous productions under 2nd Generation and Sh-K-Boom Records backing up Broadway artists such as Alice Ripley, Billy Porter, comedian Mario Cantone, and Michael McElroy. Michael Aarons has been described as a "musical chameleon," because of his stylistic versatility and dedication to reinventing himself. He is always exploring new and exciting sounds within the jazz idiom while reaching an audience broader than the traditional "jazz in-crowd". He has an original approach to the instrument; one which is innovative yet appealing enough to capture listeners outside of the jazz guitar faction.

Music Style Jazz, free-form jazz, smooth jazz

Musical Influences John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, Rodney Jones, George Benson

Similar Artists Rodney Jones

Group Members The Band: Sebastian Weiss - Piano Ranaan Meyer - BassDanny Weiss - Drums and Percussion

Instruments Guitar

Albums Not By Coincidence...

Press Reviews Jazzreview.com, December, 2000 - Reviewed by: Denai Burbank CD Title: Not By Coincidence - Live Year: 1998 Record Label: Independent Style: Contemporary Jazz Musicians: Michael Aarons (Guitars), Sebastian Weiss (Piano), Ranaan Meyer (bass), Dan Weiss (Drums and Percussion). Review: This straight-ahead CD is so very welcome and full of what so many of us miss. This straight-ahead CD is so very welcome and full of what so many of us miss. The title track is not a shy piece, it tells the listening audience to jump right on the ship for a great cruise through sound and great artistry. Each player is sharing the captain?s hat in stellar musicianship. This is a fine example of friendly competition between bandmates to make great music, not for individual stardom. Michael Aarons, Sebastian Weiss do it so well, you have to just sit back and take it all in. Ranaan Meyer and Dan Weiss are right there on the field, guaranteeing the touchdown. Right from the start of ?The Initiation,? I was reminded of Herbie Hancock?s ?Speak Like A Child,? for some reason. The calm and serene melody combined with the interplay between instruments brought it back. Aarons work in this resembles some of Grant Green?s work in sessions such as ?Idle Moments.? I could say that it?s all so very ?Blue Note,? though that could be a limitation. The label is not as significant so much as what came from Blue Note in its truest heyday. Listening to Weiss? piano solo, Hancock, Billy Higgins and Jodie Christian come to mind. There?s such beauty in the work. The impressive drum work by Dan Weiss is some of the best I?ve heard in a while. Meyer manages to be more than noticed in the way that we notice Niels Orsted-Pederson playing along side Dexter Gordon. All are kindred musical spirits speaking the same language, but bringing their unique sense of groove to the table. It?s also interesting that for a live performance, it?s as clear as one could hope to expect from the studio; to the point that only the audience?s ovation gives it away.?Awakening? has the gorgeous sound we?d associate with Lee Morgan?s ?Search For the New Land.? It is a truly thought provoking piece, ripe with imagination and sensitivity. Again, the musicians come together in the spirit of Hancock, Green, Morgan and Cranshaw. I was taken with the very short ?More Than You Know,? as I remembered one of my favorite Earl Klugh albums several years ago. Yes, Mr. Aarons truly struck the chord here with such a lovely end to a great piece of work. Let?s make it very clear that duplication of early masters is not the sole impression, but when musicians get it, it?s wonderful to hear and experience. Judging the CD as a whole, the tracks are strong; the group fills the air with emotion and brings a whole new dimension to this type of jazz. Everyone is wide-awake and at their best. If I?ve been comparing too much, forgive my retro nature. It is only to underscore the fact that the talent and recognition should be given to this fine group of jazz artists. They know their stuff!

Location New York, New York - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).