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Mike Shapiro

Drummer/percussionist/producer Michael Shapiro has a very diverse career in the music buisness. He acts as producer for his wife, vocalist Kevyn Lettau. He maintains a very active touring schedule with many artists in a variety of genres and he spends time in the studios of L.A. lending his sound to many recordings.

Some of the artists Michael has recorded and toured with include: Debby Boone, Brian Bromberg, Bobby Caldwell, Nell Carter, Dori Caymmi, Eliane Elias, Pete Escovedo, Frank Gambale, Jimmy Haslip, Al Jarreau, L.A. All Stars, Kevyn Lettau, Armando Manzanero, Maureen McGovern, Sergio Mendes, Airto Moreira, John Patitucci, Flora Purim, Lee Ritenour, Michael Ruff, Brenda Russell, Bud Shank, Andy Summers, Toots Thielemans, Randy Travis, Sadao Watanabe and many others.

Michael currently teaches Ensemble Workshops, Latin Drumming, Funk Drums, Groove Class, and Music Listening.

He has played venues from C.B.G.B.'S to Carnegie Hall in the U.S. and Europe.

Mike uses Vic Firth Drum sticks.

Tags

10
Album Review

Mike Miller: Trust

Read "Trust" reviewed by Jim Worsley


This record is more than a breath of fresh air. It is more like when you open the front door and that momentary rush of crisp wind blows in. Trust embraces that sensation and creates a limitless screen door of opportunity. Ten original and melodious compositions by Mike Miller seamlessly flow, and both sustain and cherish the feel of the moment for the duration. The magnitude of this project propelled Miller to assemble an elite group of musicians. ...

190
Album Review

Yellowjackets: Altered State

Read "Altered State" reviewed by Jim Santella


Fusing South African rhythms with soothing R&B melodies, the Yellowjackets continue to put up a refreshing performance that's made to suit easy listening audiences. Their mellow harmony and relaxed rhythmic pulses belie a loyalty to leisure suits, platform shoes with awkward heels, and hangin' out at the disco. The band began in the late 1970s, when those things were in vogue. The core element in their performance has never left them.

Bob Mintzer employs the tenor saxophone for ...

299
Album Review

Yellowjackets: Altered State

Read "Altered State" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


There's something distinctive about Yellowjackets' sound. It's contemporary in that the music is fresh and employs some modern conveniences--such as the electric bass and the EWI. Still, the way it's put together is old school--like the free-flowing style and the manipulation of time. And if that's not enough, there's a color or flavor to Bob Mintzer's sax and Russell Ferrante's piano that lets you know it's a 'Jackets tune. This distinctive approach is evident from the start of ...

158
Album Review

Yellowjackets: Altered State

Read "Altered State" reviewed by John Kelman


Sometimes the best move a band can make is to go indie. Consider Yellowjackets, who have been imbued with unquestionable instrumental credibility since emerging in the early '80s. Over their 25-year career Yellowjackets have veered from torch carriers of the latter-day, more structured incarnations of Weather Report to a group in dangerous proximity to smooth jazz territory. In the process of racking up nearly twenty recordings, the group's technical prowess has never been in question, but some of its choices ...

184
Album Review

Yellowjackets: Altered State

Read "Altered State" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey


Yellowjackets' music is steeped in the R&B/jazz tradition of the Jazz Crusaders, Junior Mance, Weather Report, and, of course Miles. Russell Ferrante always manages to slip a bit of church into his piano playing, a trend quickly picked up and absconded with by Bob Mintzer. Jimmy Haslip plays the most elastic bass since Victor Bailey, and Marcus Baylor must be the toast of the percussion town.

The band members all come together for Altered State in a brilliant ...

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Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Degree from The Juilliard School with over 20 years of teaching and performing experience. Check with me for availability. $65 for 1 hour lesson

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Trust

Blue Canoe Records
2022

buy

Lado B Brazilian...

Self Produced
2015

buy

Altered State

Heads Up International
2005

buy

Colvin

From: Trust
By Mike Shapiro

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