Born: April 10, 1963 Primary Instrument: Sax, tenor
Saxophonist Mike Lee
Mike Lee’s musical career has taken him many places musically and around the world. From the mid to late 80’s he resided in Brooklyn, New York where developed his musical concepts with many associates and mentors. This period of creative inspiration was high-lighted by his lessons with Joe Lovano and his musical collaborations with his then roommate, Dave Douglas.
Inspired by the wealth of information these associations gave him, he returned to Cleveland to assimilate this material. This was a productive time musically. Along with constant practicing this period was punctuated by gigs with Marcus Belgrave, Bobby Watson, Geri Allen, Joe Lovano, Rosemary Clooney, Marlon Jordan, Johnny Coles and touring as a member of the Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd.
In 1993 Lee resumed residency in New York City and flourished on the the jazz scene playing on numerous occasions with The Village Vanguard Orchestra (Formerly The Thad Jones/ Mel Lewis Orchestra) the Maria Schneider Orchestra (with whom he was featured in Maria’s CNN profile) and the Bill Mobley Big Band with which he performed and recorded along side acclaimed pianists James Williams, Harold Mabern and Mulgrew Miller. He has appeared around town with small groups which include New York musicians such as guitarists John Hart and Ron Affif, bassist Ron McClure, and drummer Elliot Zigmund.
Two of Mike’s compositions were selected among the top five in the 1997 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and BMI International Jazz Composers Competition. He was a member of Joe Lovano’s “Celebrating Sinatra” touring ensemble. His critically acclaimed CD, Above the Battleground, Consolidated Artists Productions (CAP), featuring Tim Hagans on trumpet, Tim Horner on drums, Matt Ray on piano and Ben Allison on bass was released in 1998. My Backyard (Omnitone) featuring Ray, Horner, Andy McKee, John Hart and Rebecca Harris, was released in 2000. Both albums received very high praise from trade publications.
Beginning in the late 90’s, Mike became a very in demand Jazz Educator and guest soloist. He has toured the United States and Europe since then, performing with local rhythm sections and presenting clinics at over 100 universities and schools. The turn of the Century found Mike continuing his musical pursuits while raising a family and digging deep roots in the Northern New Jersey/New York jazz Community. His musical associations flourished while interacting with other jazz musicians residing in the area. Musical encounters with Bruce Williams, Cecil Brooks III, T.S. Monk, Billy Hart, Andy McKee, Geri Allen and Christian McBride have made this a satisfying period in his musical development.
The last few years Lee's main focus has been on “New Tricks,” the band he co leads with trumpeter Ted Chubb. New Tricks is a working band that has toured extensively in the U.S. and about to release its second recording, “Alternate Side.” This recording is the realization of a long time dream of Lee's to tour for several weeks with a band of great musicians and then record.
Lee's resume as an educator continues to expand as coordinator of music programming for Jazz House Kids, the premier jazz education program in Northern New Jersey.
Alternate Side - New Tricks
Self Produced
2011
Personnel: Mike Lee: Saxophones, Ted Chubb: Trumpet, Kellen Harrison: Bass, Shawn Baltazor: Drums.
New Tricks
Self Produced
2009
Personnel: Mike Lee: Saxophones, Ted Chubb: Trumpet, Kellen Harrison: Bass, Shawn Baltazor: Drums.
My Backyard
Omnitone
2000
Personnel: Mike Lee: Saxophones, John Hart: Guitar, Rebecca Harris-Lee: Violin, Matt Ray: Piano, Andy McKee: Bass, Tim Horner: Drums
Above the Battleground
Consolidated Artists Productions
1998
Personnel: Mike Lee: Saxophones, Tim Horner: Trumpet, Matt Ray: Piano, Ben Allison: Bass, Tim Horner: Drums
The Quiet Answer
Self Produced
1990
Personnel: Mike Lee: Saxophones, Chip Stephens: Piano, Kevin Muhammad: Bass, Ron Godale: Drums
As A Side Musician
Breeze
Eliot Zigmund
Steeple Chase
2008
Personnel: Mike Lee: Saxophones, Gary Versace: Piano, Phil Palombi: Bass, Eliot Zigmund: Drums
The Surprise of Being -- Live at Birdland
Joe Lovano
CJO
2007
Personnel: Joe Lovano, vocalist Judi Silvano, saxophonist Mike Lee, pianist Russ Schmidt, vibist Ron Busch, drummer Nate Douds, and trumpeters Jack Schantz and Jim Powell.
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Primary Instrument:
Sax, tenor
Location:
Montclair, NJ
Willing to teach:
Intermediate to advanced students
Credentials/Background:
I’ve had the good fortune of teaching some extraordinary young
musicians, who have gone on to attend some of the top music
schools in the country on full or partial scholarships. Currently,
former students of mine are attending The New England
Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music and The University of
Miami, among others.
My current rates are $35 for 1/2 hour lessons, $48 for 45 minutes
and $60 for one hour.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
As a clinician for Conn-Selmer Mike Lee presents jazz
improvisation workshops for music students of all levels.
These sessions range from discussions of principle elements
in improvisation and improvisation education to fine nuances of
rhythm and interaction among musicians. The major elements
of jazz are presented with a special emphasis on two often
overlooked aspects of jazz style: blues and ballads. Within
these two styles lie the foundation for all jazz playing and the
keys to unlocking a student’s individual voice.
Students are taken through several playing drills which quickly
and dramatically improve ensemble groove on ballads and up
tempo tunes, develop group interaction and teach economy
and use of space to soloists. Mr. Lee also lectures on music
business practices, jazz composition, recording objectives
and overcoming destructive thought processes in musical
performances.
Mike Has Presented Workshops at the following Universities:
Akron University
Bowling Green State University
Cleveland State University
Depauw University
Eastman School of Music
Fresno City College
Indiana State University
Interlochen Arts Academy
Iowa State University
Knox College
Northern Illinois University
Oberlin Conservatory
Ohio State University
South Suburban College
Southwestern Community College
St. Petersburg Jr. College
University of California- Bakersfield
University of California – Fresno
University of California – Los Angeles
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado, Denver
University of Iowa
University of Miami
University of Minnesota
University of Northern Iowa
University of Northern Colorado
University of Redlands
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of Wisc., Stevens Point
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse
Western Illinois University
Wichita State University
Youngstown State University
