Primary Instrument: Guitar
Originally from Houston, Texas, Mike began studying music formally at the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, a school that is renowned for it’s musical alumni. Which include names as Jason Moran, Beyonce, Robert Glasper, Brian Michael Cox, Eric Harland, Chris Dave, and Kendrick Scott. Much to be inspired by, this was a huge influence in the progression of his musical development.
After graduating High School, Mike quickly moved to New York City to attend the New School University with the highest scholarship the school had ever given to a guitar player. He soon began playing gigs, working his way into the New York Jazz scene. After several years of paying dues with many bands around town, Mike gained the recognition needed to be called to perform and tour with some of the biggest names in the jazz world. Thus now holding one of the most impressive resumes in the young jazz guitar world. The Joshua Redman Elastic Band, Lizz Wright Band, Nicholas Payton Quartet, Terence Blanchard Quintet, Greg Osby 4, Jeff “Tain” Watts Quintet, Kenny Garrett Quintet, and Ravi Coltrane Quartet. But Mike has also toured and performed with the rising stars of today including Jeremy Pelt, John Ellis, Yosvany Terry, Jon Gordon, Gretchen Parlato and Louise Setara.
Mike has recorded with major artists such as Interscope Records’ “Bilal”, and Universal Motown’s “Q-Tip” Rising star Jazz Artists such as Jeremy Pelt, Robert Glasper, John Ellis, Yosvany Terry, Geoff Keezer, Frank Locrasto, and Kendrick Scott . Mike also leads his own band, which has recently recorded their debut CD Between The Lines, a quintet including tenor and piano, playing all his original music. His compositions have been called “masterful,” and written with “sophistication that belies his age,” gaining recognition and acclaim from masters such as Pat Metheny. With these opportunities he has been given to do so, Mike is pushing himself to have his voice defined in music, both as a sideman and as a band leader.
Guitarist Mike Moreno shines. His liquid timbre pooling into solos that are conversational but as disciplined as poetry. --Michael J. West, Jazztimes Nov. 2007
There are many other guitarists out there pushing towards a modern ideal, but none with the precise coordinates that Mike Moreno has charted. --Nate Chinen, “The Gig” JazzTimes Magazine
Mike Moreno's appealing tone, cascading lines and inherent sense of lyricism mark him as one of the the most outstanding guitarists since Kurt Rosenwinkel. -Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes Magazine
A versatile and increasingly prominent guitarist... -The New York Times
A Guitarist of commanding technique and almost architectural expression. - Village Voice
A really talented guy who impressed me beyond the notes, for his general feeling, and what he's going for. -Pat Metheny, Jazztimes Magazine Mar.'05
One of the top Six Stingers-in Jazz today... His Fluid combination of melody, chromaticism, and ferocious chops was spellbinding -Nashville Scene
