SPATIAL EDITION: Zach Brock, Jim Ridl, Steve Varner, MS
THE OM/ShalOM PROJECT: Dave Liebman, Bennie Maupin, Scott Colley, Munyungo Jackson, MS.....
THE BENNIE MAUPIN ENSEMBLE: Bennie Maupin, Darek Oles, Munyungo Jackson, MS.....
THE NOMADS DUO: Dave Liebman, MS.....
TRIO FRIO: Vic Juris, Francois Moutin, MS.....
Other configurations with Dave Liebman, Gene Perla, Clay Jenkins, Phil Markowitz, Matt Vashlishan, Bobby Avey, Tony Marino, Evan Gregor, et. al.
Influences
THE THREE B's (Bach, Bartok, Brookmeyer), THE TWO TITANS (Coltrane, Miles), THE BADDEST PLUS (Elvin, Jack, Tony), THE GODFATHERS (Roy Haynes, Chico Hamilton, Jimmy Cobb), THE IMMORTALS (Papa Jo, Philly Joe, Buhaina, Smilin' Billy, and The Tailor), THE KIDS (Clarence Penn, Jim Black, Mark Ferber), AND Mingus, Stravinsky, Cage, Zappa, every other musical artist who ever put the music first, and finally -- YOU.
Sounds Like
Here's what others have said:
"Michael is one of the most involved, sensitive, and musical drummers I have known, plus -- he swings!! Calling him a drummer isn't really good enough -- he inhales the music and gives you a lovely breeze in return."
-- Bob Brookmeyer
"A wonderful drummer...a fresh voice who shares a common experience and love for the music. A real plus to the East Coast jazz community."
--Dave Liebman
"Michael Stephans is the thunder, the storm, and the calm before it. He beats your heart as your heart beats."
-- Leroy Downs, The Jazz Cat
"...a melodic, unique, and outstanding drummer."
-- L.A. Jazz Scene
"Stephans throws the book away on drumming -- he plays completely by gut feeling."
-- All About Jazz
"In the world of modern drumming...Michael Stephans is one of the true keepers of the flame."
-- Bennie Maupin
Michael leads three distinct but interrelated lives. As a college professor, he holds a Ph.D. in education, and two Master..s degrees, in English and education respectively. He and his partner Kathleen are currently living in a house in the woods of the Poconos in Northeast Pennsylvania. His new CD, entitled OM/ShalOM (featuring woodwind legends Dave Liebman and Bennie Maupin), will be released this winter (2007).
Michael has also been active as an award-winning poet, writer, and jazz journalist, often writing liner notes and promotional material for such luminaries as Bennie Maupin, Bob Brookmeyer, Darek Oles, and Bob Florence. His work has been published in many literary journals, and he has authored three books of poetry and fiction, with a fourth on the way; and he taught creative writing and jazz aesthetics classes at Pasadena City College. He currently teaches writing at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
A prominent jazz musician, Michael has performed and recorded with a wide array of jazz artists, including Bob Brookmeyer, Bennie Maupin, David Liebman, Pharoah Sanders, the late Charlie Byrd, Don Menza, Lynn Arriale, Bobby Bradford, Phil Ranelin, Buddy Colette, Alan Broadbent, Bob Florence, Mike Melvoin, Theo Saunders, Bud Shank, John Patitucci, Karl Berger, Vinne Golia, and many others. He has also played with personalities as wildly diverse as The Rolling Stones, Cher, David Bowie, Shirley MacLaine, and Natalie Cole, to name a few.
In addition to his performance activities, Michael was awarded composition grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Percussive Arts Society. The former afforded him the opportunity to write a large ensemble piece called "Shapes and Visions" for the vibraphonist Karl Berger, which was performed at the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.; and the latter gave him the opportunity to compose a solo work for drum set called "Downside-Up," which has been performed frequently at regional and national competitions, recitals, and festivals.
Michael is currently a member of SPATIAL EDITION, The NOMADS DUO (w/ Dave Liebman), TRIO FRIO (w/ Vic Juris and Francois Moutin), the BENNIE MAUPIN ENSEMBLE, Gene Perla's EASTON JAZZ EXPRESS, and other groups listed elsewhere on this page.
"At last a follow up to Janette Mason's sparkling debut as leader. Alien Left Hand ....was well worth the wait…” Production **** Performance**** -- BBC Music Magazine
“…an album fizzing with fresh ideas and delights, an exhilarating musical journey .. with brilliantly original writing and inspired playing…” -- Helen Mayhew
"Every track from the rhythmic ‘NY Cab Ride’ and restless ‘4 Wheel Drive’ to the brooding ‘Mae’s Song’ has a terrific hook but it’s the way Mason switches tempo and moods that makes ALH great fun. " -- Diva Magazine
Hey Dr S! How are you? I'm heading to NYC for a long weekend on Thursday...it's my first time there. So exciting! Also, shall I go ahead and send you your 2 calendars from Vroman's? Hope you are well A
I hope things are going great for you! I love your album! Hope we can meet up again in early August. Mingo Fishtrap will be back for Musikfest in Bethlehem (Aug. 8-10). Let me know if you'll be around for some cheesecake. DB
Ay Michael! Ay man, I'm still trying to figure my space out, kinda like trying to figure out the trombone! I'm sorry I missed you guys at Catalina's Friday night. I e- mailed you on my earthlink account but I had your old Pasadena C.C. e-mail address!Anyway, I know you smoked on em last night. Lets stay in touch. Peace, Phil
