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Mike Spinrad

Mike Spinrad is a composer, arranger, drummer and percussionist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has composed the music for two released CDs under his own name, a jazz trio for "It's Morning" and a sextet for "Horns." He has played or recorded with Guido Fazio, Dan Parenti, Steve Webber, Mark Rossi, John Hettel, Richard Conway, Dann Zinn, David Enos, Cindy Browne, Steve Schuster, Brian Gary, Frank Sumares, Fred Zimmerman, Fred Ross-Perry, Kurt Huget, Curtis Long, David Margules, Jef Labes, Rita Glassman, Joe Kaline, Todd Gray, Jan Martinelli, John McClellen, and Don Turney. Mike's technical drumming articles have been published by Percussive Notes magazine, he has toured with jazz and pop groups throughout the United States, and had his music played throughout the world. Quotes: “An incredible amount of heart and soul.” Arts reviewer Grady Harp. Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, Fred Ross-Perry writes: "Friends, this is the new CD ["Horns"] from my friend and fabulous musician/composer, Mike Spinrad. I've known him for years as an excellent drummer and percussionist, but I was delighted to discover that he's also a gifted jazz composer. These tunes feel fresh, and yet solidly rooted in classic jazz. The arrangements move effortlessly from theme to improv and back. The players are stellar, their virtuosity always in service of the music, never showy. And the mix is so clean and alive. You hear each part clearly, but the overall effect is unified...."

Awards

Outstanding Soloist, Chabot College Publications: Expanding on a three over four beat idea, Percussive Notes, April, 2004; Paradiddle accents on drumset, Percussive Notes, February, 2008.


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JAZZ WEEKLY review by George W. Harris, November 8, 2018 Drummer and percussionist Mike Spinrad joins up with tenor saxist/flutist Guido Fazio to lead a swinging ensemble with Don Turney/p-org, Richard Conway/tp, Larry Stewart/bari and Eric Lyons-John Hettel-Daniel Parenti-David Enos/b for eight fun originals. The charts are sleek on “Smarbar” and Fazio digs in deep with Turney’s B3 on a funky “Bette ‘N Hy” A couple of salsa-inflected pieces include an attractive “Raul” with some nice piano work and “Manny” which features Fazio’s feathery flute. A charmer that is eager to please.

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