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GMichael Merrifield
GMichael Merrifield - bassist, executive producer
About Me
GMichael Born of a musical family in Denver Colorado, Gmichael first
started playing guitar then switched to the bass because it felt
right. Then, at the tender age of 8, “G” became the bassist in many
high school stage bands & string ensembles. Gmichael’s first bass was
bought for him while playing in a music store in Omaha, Nebraska. His
pro career began when he became a part of Round Edge. This group
consisted of Tim Renfrow, Dave Cupack and Chuck Dickey; they worked
continuously in the area, opening for Johnny Winter. His professional
peers included James Higgins and Mike Soccie who were working with
professionally acclaimed Omaha drummer Victor Lewis (Kenny Barron, Art
Farmer, J.J. Johnson, Mike Stern, John Stubblefield, Grover Washington
Jr., The Manhattan Jazz Quintet, Bobby Hutcherson and Bobby Watson).
In California (1973) “G” was involved in rehearsals with Dennis
Chambers and Elvin Bishop and then later with Johnny Halstrup. Then,
while serving in the Army in Germany, “G” was busy performing with
Mike Naylor (Debbie Reynolds’s arranger). Members of that band
included Preston Vismale and famed London composer, Janusz Podrazik.
After “G” returned to the States, he played with Peter Pogi in Cool
Breeze. Other notables that “G” performed with were Pamela Rose and
the Eights, Chris Cobb (Tommy TuTone), Kevin Zuffi (Etta James Band)
and Addie Clement (Joy of Cooking and Fanny). GMichael also recorded a
jazz television show ( KQED) with international jazz singing sensation
Nina Causey. Other jazz notables that “G” worked with were Faye
Carol's band (Monterey Jazz Festival) which included Achyutan (Barbara
Hunter quartet) and Benny Green ( Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers,
Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Watson, Milt Jackson, Diana Krall).
GMichael then met Paul Mousavi (Jaco Pastoruis) and Jeff Osamman who
had recently formed a band named Borneo. Borneo went on to work as a
opening act band in the San Francisco Bay Area for Lee Riteneour, Alan
Holdsworth, Steve Morse of the Dixie Dregs, Ronnie Montrose, Stanley
Clarke, Alex Acuna, Jeff Berlin, Randy Jackson, Gil Scott Heron and
the list goes on. Gmichael’s bass playing style is classically
oriented with Jazz/funk/Latin influences. His current project is
producing and rehearsing his nu-groove jazz band - Utopian Dreams.
Music is best when it is profound, not because of the notes, extended
chords, or intricate rhythms, but when the heart is on the line and
truth emotes from your soul and the intellect is transcended, artistry
is when the audience feels our love of music. GMichael
- See more at: http://www.utopian-dreams.com
My Jazz Story
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