Mike Monford

Mike Monford is a dynamic jazz musician, saxophonist, composer, jazz historian, and executive producer based in Detroit, Michigan who has dedicated over 30 years to practicing, performing, and experimenting with the universal language of music.

His first introduction to the art was sponsored by his fathers culturally diverse curation of jazz and R&B vinyl, providing him primary reference to challenge the traditions of music, while ushering in a fresh and invigorating experience for his audience. As his social life began to grow, Mike became familiar and intrigued with the growing culture of Hip-Hop, and throughout his teenage years, applied himself to this emerging platform as a DJ under the alias DJ M&M. It was at this time he seized the opportunity to pick up a saxophone, cueing his journey to transforming the art of jazz.

By 1997 Mike had proved himself dedicated to exploring the world of jazz, and was awarded a scholarship to the University of Hartford-Hartt School of Music where he studied extensively under the great jazz musician and master saxophonist Jackie McLean. Inspired to continue his education in music, Monford began private lessons under the tutelage of jazz legend Teddy Harris Jr., who eventually mentored and later opened the doors of live performance in some of Detroit’s most respected venues for jazz. From The Bluebird and Bomac’s Lounge, to Bert’s Marketplace and Baker's Keyboard Lounge, Mike found himself under the direct guidance of resident musicians Ken Cox, George Goldsmith, Marcus Belgrave, and Phil Lasley to name a few.

Surrendering to the craft and demanding culture of the music industry, Mike began to explore his options as a full time musician, landing his first gig in New York performing for bassist Bill Lee. He soon moved forward to scoring elite referrals, performing and recording with influencers such as pianist Marc Cary, trumpeter Raymond Williams, and bassist Hakim Jami. During his time in New York Mike began to explore the more intimate details of music, making time to prioritize musical composition in preparation to expand his contributions to the world of music. This education led him to composing and producing his 2012 debut album Perseverance which featuring his newly formed band accompanied by Grammy Award winning pianist Marc Cary, bassist Tarus Mateen, drummer Steve Williams, and Trumpeter Rayse Biggs.

Elevated by a successful first album and supported by his diverse and revered core of mentors, Mike has spent the last 10 years touring the world with his band, performing at festivals and concerts with Les Nubians and Marc Cary’s Harlem Sessions. His understanding and passion for music has allowed him the freedom to share his knowledge of the art form. From teaching and mentoring youth in Detroit, to contributing to cultural media sources such as BLAC Magazine, Mike Monford remains grounded and dedicated to challenging his ability to adapt and recycle his experience with the world. In February of 2022, Mike seized another opportunity to challenge himself and the boundaries of the industry when his participation with the Autophysiopsychic Millennium was featured at Carnegie Hall.

Driven to keep up with the consistent pace and vibration of life, Mike continues his journey with his upcoming album, The Cloth I’m Cut From; a musical celebration of his 30 years of growth and transformation in the industry. The newly released single, JAH-JAH (featured on the new album) showcases Mike’s power to translate the emotions and sentiments of the world we live in — giving hope and spreading light throughout the collective chaos of political and cultural oppression.