To say Michael Palma is an accomplished pianist is a gross understatement.
I've been watching, hearing about, or playing alongside Michael Palma since
he was in high school. It was no surprise to any of the local musicians that he
was an immediately sought after pianist across the country by well known
artists over twice his age right after graduating high school. I've played with
Michael in concerts, festivals, clubs, etc... and he has never failed to astound
both the musicians with which he shares the stage or the audiences for which
we perform. One reason Michael continues to succeed in the hearts of listeners
is primarily because of one reason: authenticity. It's one thing for an
accomplished musician to have unbounded techniques and training.... but it's
quite another for such an accomplished musician to use these techniques with
'authenticity', the ability to convince the audience that what they are hearing is
truly straight from the musician's soul. Michael Palma exudes authenticity with
every note he plays, and anyone who sees and hears him perform will realize
this.
Jeff Plant - composer/musician
“Michael Palma is an extremely talented pianist whose playing is rich with
tradition as well as refreshingly new perspectives that are always swinging.” -
Ralph Peterson Jr. (Jazz drumming legend, Berklee College of Music Professor)
“Michael's playing keeps me interested in the performance—spellbound, at
times—from the first note to the last. There's never a moment I'm not thinking
"wow" on all levels. This is jazz for adults only.” - Hal Crook (Jazz trombone
legend, Berklee College of Music Professor)
"Michael Palma is a very skilled and musically deep pianist and improvisor. His
stream of consciousness in the unfolding of linear ideas is truly remarkable!
His solos are always interesting to listen to as he develops ideas and makes all
of the features of the harmony crystal clear! I am proud to know this young
man and see a great future for him as a professional player!" – Dan Haerle
(Jazz Pianist, Regents Professor Emeritus in Jazz Studies at the University of
North Texas, Author of the Jazz Sound, the Jazz Language, and Scales for Jazz
Improvisation)
Michael Palma
St Paul United Methodist Church
Dallas, TX
April 14, 2015
The long-anticipated solo piano show of Bernard Wright was not to be as
Bernard unfortunately had to cancel. But the capable and talented Michael
Palma stepped in to woo the Tuesday Nite Jazz crowd at St Paul United
Methodist Church.
After the show, the celebrated 29-year-old pianist received rave reviews for
his rendition of Giant Steps, the John Coltrane tune. He told the crowd he
played “some improvisational music, some American songbook and some
original compositions.” Among them were Mal Waldron’s Soul Eyes; and he
turned to the artist whose music drew him to the piano, Herbie Hancock
(Dolphin Dance).
He urged the audience to visit Itunes to get his latest work Lazy Lover which
he recorded with vocalist Chloe Demetria under the band name of Xayide.
Palma attended the acclaimed Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas and
went on to the Berklee College of Music. He went on to be one of the youngest
instructors in the celebrated jazz program of the University of North Texas.
At his young age, he has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Greg
Osby, Mark Turner, Jimmy Cobb and others. He has performed in numerous
countries, recognized by publications like Downbeat magazine and his
compositions has been performed on numerous networks and shows like
Dancing with the Stars.
Palma had everyone glowing after his solo performance with music lovers
saying, I have heard this guy before but nothing like this!
One can only imagine that Michael Palma was inspired, honored to get the call
to fill in for a Miles Davis alumnus Bernard Wright. It was like a homecoming
for Palma, literally across the street from his old high school.
Posted by Jerry's Dallas at 10:41 PM
http://www.jerrysdallas.com/2015/04/michael-palma-at-st-paul-
united.html
Tonight is the last 'Cold Night for Hot Jazz' of the year (we hope). Tonight it's
the Shelley Carrol quartet with Mike Palmer on the keyboard. Hopefully spring
will add a week before summer for this wintry intrusion.
Come out and join us for what is sure to be a memorable night of jazz!
Biography
Michael Palma is BMI composer, adjunct professor and artist whose works can
be heard on such award-winning T.V. programs as Dancing with the Stars,
Celebrity Expose, and America’s Best Dance Crew. In addition to being
featured on power networks such as MTV, ABC, NFL Network and Superstation.
Between now and the time Palma was twelve years old, he has taken on an
extraordinary career as a multifaceted music artist. Throughout his career,
Michael has shared the stage with musical greats including Wynton Marsalis,
Greg Osby, Mark Turner, Jimmy Cobb, Tootie Heath, Benny Golson, Delfeayo
Marsalis, George Garzone, Roy Hargrove, Jason Palmer, Jiggs Whigam, Paquito
D’ Rivera, Ralph Peterson, Bill Pierce, Barry Riese, Rich Perry and Hal Crook to
name a few.
He attended the famed Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing
and Visual Arts where such musical greats as Norah Jones, Erykah Badu, Roy
Hargove etc. studied in Dallas, Texas. During his studies Michael was awarded
a number of Downbeat Magazine jazz education awards for his improvisation
skills and compositions. Resulting in him being awarded a full scholarship
from the acclaimed Berklee College of Music located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Upon his graduation from Berklee College in 2009, Michael continues to
perform at world-renowned venues in New York City, including The Blue Note
and Kitano. In addition to performing before sold-out audiences in the
Americas, Japan, Spain and France; Michael has been a featured artist at a
number of world-renown international music festivals including The Monterey
Jazz Festival, The Bean town Jazz Festival, The Gene Harris Jazz Festival and
The Denton Arts and Jazz Festival.
Description
“Michael's playing keeps me interested in the performance—spellbound, at
times—from the first note to the last. There's never a moment I'm not thinking
"wow" on all levels. This is jazz for adults only.” - Hal Crook (Jazz trombone
legend, Berklee College of Music Professor)
"...Michael Palma...musical savant...with talent and music to spare." - The
Dallas Weekly
"Michael Palma is a very skilled and musically deep pianist and improvisor. His
stream of consciousness in the unfolding of linear ideas is truly remarkable!
His solos are always interesting to listen to as he develops ideas and makes all
of the features of the harmony crystal clear! I am proud to know this young
man and see a great future for him as a professional player!" – Dan Haerle
(Regents Professor Emeritus in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas,
Author of the Jazz Sound, the Jazz Language, and Scales for Jazz
Improvisation)
“...Michael's composition of "Creepo the Thief is the standout of Melissa
Aldana's entire Free Fall album." - Downbeat Magazine
“Michael Palma is an extremely talented pianist whose playing is rich with
tradition as well as refreshingly new perspectives that are always swinging.” -
Ralph Peterson Jr. (Jazz drumming legend, Berklee College of Music Professor)
http://amsterdambar.blogspot.com/2013/03/michael-palma-joins-shelley-
carrol-for.html
I have been selected to compete in the 13th UNISA INTERNATIONAL PIANO
COMPETITION 2016
Oct, 29
I am happy to announce that I have been seleceted for this international jazz
piano competition! I put my heart and soul into my audition. I will be in
South Africa competing from January 25th to February 6th, 2016! I am so
excited and can't wait!!!
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