Music Style Smooth Jazz

Musical Influences R&B/Soul music

Similar Artists kind of a mix between Kenny G and David Sanborn

Artist History Michael Thomas grew up in Elizabethtown forty miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. It is here where Michael learned the basics of music at the age of 13. His love for music motivated him to teach himself to play by ear. He spent a summer listening and learning from many different artists on the radio and CD’s. Upon rising in the morning till late in the evenings he would practice until he perfected a particular tune or song. In high school he was encouraged by his music teacher to perform as a solo artist. On several occasions he performed solo at school concerts playing smooth jazz or rhythm and blues. At one of these concerts is where Michael met Terrance Johnson, a trumpet player from Philadelphia. Terrance encouraged Michael to pursue his love for music. When his friends were out on Friday nights hanging out, Michael was learning all he could from the veteran musician. Terrance assisted Michael with his first original song, "Tranquility". Terrance Johnson will always be remembered as "one of the great teachers" in Michael’s life. During high school Michael performed and won several talent shows. He knew that this is what he wanted to do professionally. His last talent show was broadcasted on local television where it was seen and heard by a band named Chip Nannies that just happened to be looking for a "horn player". This is where it all began for Michael. He joined the band in 1998. His first professional show was in a club in Louisville, Kentucky. The band was becoming popular in a short amount of time and was touring cities like Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinnati, and other locations. They eventually changed their names from Chip Nannies to Jive Rockets to liven up the band since they played a mix of jump blues, rockabilly, and swing. The band has opened for known artists and bands like Brian Setzer Orchestra, Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, Sister Soleil, Bill Haley’s Original Comets, and Ray Condo. Michael enjoyed the travel and performing for large audiences, but there was a yearning for more. During a recording session, Michael met Bobby Lanz a veteran keyboardist. Michael was fascinated by the artist who is blind by birth. Bobby was once with a recording company that was a subsidiary of RCA Records and played with known artists Ike and Tina Turner, Michael McDonald, Tower of Power, B.B. King, Curtis Mayfield, and others. From that day Michael and Bobby have performed together. Bobby was impressed by Michael’s talents with the horn and his songwriting abilities. Bobby encouraged Michael by helping him develop his talent. In a two month period they cut an album in January 1999. Michael and Bobby visited Destin, FL in September 1999 and have resided there ever since. They perform at several local establishments in the Destin area and are the opening act for the Seabreeze Jazz Festivals in Seaside, FL. Performing at the festivals are known smooth jazz artists Brian Culbertson, Joyce Cooling, Richard Elliot, Boney James, Kim Waters, Euge Groove, Joe McBride, Willie & Lobo to name a few. Michael is pursuing a music career to be named as one of the smooth jazz stars. Michael quotes, "I want a steady, lasting recording career with musical integrity and any success it may bring."

Instruments Alto and soprano saxophones

Albums The Way I Feel and Shadows of Love

Location Destin, FL - USA

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