I currently freelance in Germany, frequently performing with Artists including Randy Lee Kay - George Kousa - Daniel Messina - Rumba Sureña and many others!
CONTRA BASSISTS include; Charlie Haden-Dave Holland-Ray Brown-Avishai Cohen-Chris Wood-Richard Davis-Marc Johnson-Paul Chambers.
ELECTRIC BASSISTS include; James Jamerson-Flea-Jaco-John Pattittucci-Rocco Prestia-Verdine White-Steve Swallow-Gary Willis.
JAZZ ARTISTS and COMPOSERS that influence my playing include; Clifford Brown-Art Blakey-Horace Silver-Bobby Watson-Carla Bley-Maria Schneider-Cassandra Wilson-Thad Jones-Elvin Jones-Dave Douglas-John Coltrane-Miles Davis-Oscar Peterson-John McLaughlin-Bill Frisell-John Scofield-Chick Corea-Pat Metheny-Frank Zappa and many others!
POP ARTISTS/BANDS that are heavy influences include; Erykah Badu-Stevie Wonder-Karl Denson-Gov't Mule-RHCP-Dave Matthews Band-Radiohead-Steely Dan.
TEACHERS that have helped to shape my direction in life include Steve Clarke (CT), John Adams (TX), Dana Landry & Erik Applegate (TN), and non-musicians-but-nonetheless-influential Professor Edward Kimbrell (TN) and Bikram Choudhury (LA).
Sounds Like
Review of 'Latin Journey' by Bass Professor Magazine (GER) 01/2008
"The 3 gentlemen Kraft (B), Landry (P) and Messina (DR) recorded a diversified Latin Jazz album at the renowned Bauer Studios in Ludwigsburg. The trio format is challenging - one has to think hard to produce an album that’s not boring or dull. At the same time the three-piece leaves a lot of room for creative expression. This objective was definitely achieved by the group with their 9 instrumental pieces: ‘Latin Journey’ is airy and groovy and features challenging unison-breaks that do not come across as forced or arrogant. With Windmill Basses and TecAmp Amplification, Michael Kraft makes a name for himself in the scene with a sultry, warm tone. He gets praise for his amazing fretless tone on 'Our Spanish Love Song' by Charlie Haden. ‘Latin Journey’ is an album that makes you hungry to see the live performance!" (Lars Lehmann)
Link to the Latin Jazz Corner CD Review September 2008
2008:
Teaching Assistant at the award-winning University of Northern Colorado Jazz Studies Department and Director of the universities 13-piece Salsa Band.
Performed at the Manne/PPC stand at Musik Messe 2008 as an endorser for Manne Guitars (Italy).
Endorsement deal with Evidence Audio cables.
2007:
Featured performer at European Bass Day in Viersen, Germany with my Latin Trio, sponsored by LaBella Strings and Windmill Basses.
European release of my debut CD "Latin Journey," featuring Grammy-nominee Dana Landry (Gary Burton, Eddie Daniels, Bob Brookmeyer, George Garzone) and drummer Daniel Messina (Barbara Dennerlein).
Guest of Galli Strings (Italy) at Musik Messe 2007.
Endorsement deal with TecAmp Germany.
2006:
Performed at the Windmill stand at European Bass Day 2006 in Krefeld, Germany.
Endorsement deal with Windmill Guitars.
2005 - Present:
Freelance work throughout Germany.
2002:
Severe left hand injury leaves performance career in doubt and ends my performance of the Upright Bass.
2001 - 2005:
Freelance work throughout the US.
2000:
Bachelor Degree from Middle Tennessee State University, where I studied privately with Dana Landry and Erik Applegate and performed in various ensembles.
1994 - 1996:
Jazz Studies major at the University of North Texas, where I studied with Dan Haerle, Mike Steinel, Dr. Ed Rainbow, John Adams and Dr. David Joyner.
Performed in the universities big bands, combos, African ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Singers 2 and for the UNT Symphony Pops concert under the direction of Anshel Brusilow.
1993:
Began playing Bass, studying under legendary Connecticut teacher Steve Clarke.
You can find additional information and photos at the link below!
