Portland pianist David Michael Lee has released the CD ”Harbor Morning” introducing nine original songs featuring Jeff Leonard (bass), Carlton Jackson (drums), John Bishop of Origin Records (drums) and Michael Bard (saxophone). The songs Celebration, Multnomah Falls and Out Of Limbo are upbeat Pop/Jazz fun. Silhouette is perhaps the Smooth Jazz “hit” with the amazing soprano sax work of Portland's Michael Bard. Lee demonstrates his strong film score-esq composing skills with the title song Harbor Morning, Wildlife, Sun On The Horizon and others. David Michael Lee began his professional career in Portland at the age of 14 playing jazz pipe organ at the Organ Grinder Restaurant. ”These are wonderful instruments - like playing a symphony orchestra. My organ work helped me create a unique arranging style at the piano; more orchestral.” In 1980 Lee co-founded the band Wiseguys which performed six nights a week locally for four years. David left Wiesguys in 1984 to develop his solo piano arranging and performance which led him to an eleven year engagement at McCormick & Schmicks playing solo, duos and leading a dixieland band.
“My approach on Harbor Morning is to bring the “fun” back into popular jazz music and not to get too ethereal and slick. I enjoy Vince Giraldi, Dave Brubeck, and Fats Waller. Wonderful melodies that appeal to the general public, and great energy. A lot of that comes from recording live in the studio, which I try to do.”
David recently finished a six year engagement at the Heathman Hotel in Portland. In 2002 David Michael Lee helped open Portland City Grill, where he continues to perform on Thursday and Saturday evenings. David also performs Friday evenings at The Heathman Lodge in Vancouver.
Tuesday February 5 at 6:30PM David will perform with his 5 piece Dixieland Band (featuring Gavin Bondi - trumpet). This is a free Mardi Gras concert at Creator Lutheran Church (132nd and Sunnyside). And on Friday February 8, at 7:00PM Lee will perform a concert at Hollywood Music Center at 4200 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland. Tickets are 5.00 at the door.
