Michael White Quintet - RSS Feed

News: COLA Fellowship Artist Project "Orbit"

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

“Orbit” is commissioned by the Department Of Cultural Affairs, composed by the Living Legend Jazz Violinist Michael White as the prestigious COLA Individual Artist Fellow. It will be premiered and performed LIVE at Grand Performances, the SoCal largest free public concert presenter, with his band “Michael White Quintet”, consists of such Jazz master musicians who performed with numerous Jazz Giants throughout their careers - Michael Howell guitar, Heshima Mark Williams bass, Kenneth Nash percussion and the world best kept secret Jazz vocalist & Qigong/Taiji artist Leisei Chen.

Also we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Michael's bona-fide classic Impulse records "The Land Of Spirit And Light" Sharing the stage with a beautiful fellow COLA fellowship recipient, indian choreographer, dancer, writer and designer Malathi Iyengar and her dance company.

"This performance is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs."

Show: Jun 28, 2013 @ Grand Performances

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0800

“Orbit” is commissioned by the Department Of Cultural Affairs, composed by the Living Legend Jazz Violinist Michael White as the prestigeous COLA (City Of Los Angeles) Individual Artist Fellow. It will be premiered and performed LIVE at Grand Performances, the SoCal largest free public concert presenter, with his band “Michael White Quintet”, consists of such Jazz master musicians who performed with numerous Jazz Giants throughout their careers - Michael Howell guitar, Heshima Mark Williams bass, Kenneth Nash percussion and the world best kept secret Jazz vocalist & Qigong/Taiji artist Leisei Chen.

Sharing the stage with a beautiful fellow performing artist, indian choreographer, dancer, writer and designer Malathi Iyengar and her dance company, will premiere her new work "Love Trajectory".

"This performance is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs." - All Ages : Free

Show: Jun 29, 2013 @ Knobworld

Sat, 29 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Michael White Quintet - Michael White violin, Leisei Chen vocals, Michael Howell guitar, Heshima Mark Williams bass, Kenneth Nash percussion will studio-record extra tracks for "Orbit".

News: The First Annual OSUM Gala

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Performing LIVE as Michael White Trio, Michael White violin, Leisei Chen vocals & Mark Towns guitar at the First Annual Gala for OSUM - Operation Smiles Uplifting Military, the founder Dr. Montes and co-founder Dorothy Stinger. Michael is a korean war veteran, and will be one of his first patients to receive much needed dental treatments! Please come and join us for support this noble cause!!! This event includes food, drinks, silent auction and live performances. The Admission $67 Buy Ticket : Contact 323.522.5971 : Semi-Formal Attire

News: Happy New Year 2013

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0800

photo by Leisei Chen

Happy Blessed New Year 2013!

LOVE. HEALING. INSPIRATION. HOPE.

明けましておめでとう! 恭喜恭喜!新年快乐！Buon anno! Bonne Année! Շնորհավոր Նոր տարի! sretna Nova godina! Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! glückliches neues Jahr!ευτυχές το νέο έτος! 새해 복 많이 받으세요! Godt Nyttår! feliz Ano Novo! срећна Нова Година! ¡feliz año nuevo! heri ya mwaka mpya! gott nytt år! Chúc mừng năm mới! سال نو مبارک! masaya bagong taon! gembira tahun baru! onnellista uutta vuotta! नया साल मुबारक!

Leisei Chen & Michael White

Michael White Quintet

Press: The Land of Spirit and Light

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

"Michael White is the embodiment of what made jazz cool, and he still plays a hell of a show! As jazz violinist Michael White, 82, sang “Let Love Be Your Magic Carpet Ride” with his Quintet on Sunday night at the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival in East Oakland, I leaned in my chair with my eyes closed, the sun still visible from too many glances at the solar eclipse and all I could think was… this is important. . . " - Splice Today

Press: All for Their Love Of Music

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Say the name Michael White to a jazz aficionado, and the likely response will be something like, 'Yeah, great jazz violinist back in the day. Wonder what he's doing these days? . . ." - Los Angeles Sentinel

News: A Heartfelt Exchange With Carole

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Michael.

Forgive me if I'm wrong but is this your music?

Carole

Michael White - Let Love Be Your Magic Carpet on youtube

Hi Carole,

Yes your are right! Michael White's composition & music from X-Factor, Elektra/Asylum album in 1978. In 2010, it re-released in CD.

http://amzn.to/Pp7glL

We perform a acoustic version of this song in LIVE as well. This photo, link below, probably captured when we were playing and singing the song at a concert in May 20th 2012 : )))

http://on.fb.me/W1t334

LOVE. HEALING. INSPIRATION. HOPE.

Leisei & Michael

Hello Michael.

That is so amazing.

As a young jazz dancer years ago I would dance to your song and I can honestly say that I would be swept away by the magic of it and lose myself in the melody. It was my favourite song to dance to. I stopped dancing after having my family and this song became lost in memory until I heard it on face book one day. It made my heart beat faster and actually moved me to tears when I listened to it. All those magical memories of dancing to it came flooding back. I had to buy the album straight away and now I play it nearly every day.

I am extremely honoured that you have replied to me and want to thank you for making such beautiful music that steals my heart.

Yours sincerely

Carole

News: Happy Thanksgiving + COLA Fellowship Award

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800

We are excited to share our blessing with you over this thanksgiving holiday!!!

Michael was selected for the prestigious 2013 Department Of Cultural Affairs (DCA) CIty Of Los Angeles (COLA) Individual Artist Fellowship Award which has been recognized internationally. Michael is commissioned to create NEW WORKS to be premiered by master Jazz musicians and our original band members of Michael White Quintet (MWQ), Michael White violin, Leisei Chen vocals, Michael Howell guitar, Cecil McBee bass, Kenneth Nash percussion, performing live at the California Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday June 28th 2013, co-sponsored and hosted by Grand Performances.

We are very honored and grateful for COLA fellowship performing arts panelists Mitch Glickman, Adilah Barnes, Romalyn Tilghman.

We are looking forward to share the stage with a beautiful fellow performing artist, 2013 COLA fellowship recipient Malathi Iyengar, work together with Joe Smoke, Christopher Riedesel and Sherlan Abesamis at City Of Los Angeles Department Of Cultural Affairs, Scott Canty at Los Angeles Municipal Arts Gallery, Leigh Ann Hahn, Fred Stites, Regina Cabrera and Amanda Wah at Grand Performances.

Special thanks to Dalili Lya Pierson, Phil Ranelin, Martiros MarHak Hakopian, Evrika Evo Zatikian, Mirza Todorovich, Candace Avery, Kristy Hanson for all their support.

News: MWQ ONE SHEET 2012

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

News: Working Behind The Scene

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Ready for the upcoming concerts in Oakland CA, will be coincide with the amazing SOLAR ECLIPSE. 'The Mayan Walker' Says Big Date is May 20th, 2012

Saturday May19 at 4PM - String Summit featuring Michael White "A Tribute to Billy Bang" - 12 Annual Malcolm X JazzArts Festival at San Antonio Park. Free, All Ages

Sunday May 20th at 7PM - Sunday Concert With Michael White Quintet at the EastSide Cultural Center at 2277 International Blvd. $15, All Ages

News: Spirit Dance CD Reissue

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0800

This morning we saw groups of cute little Armenian boys with grand fathers and mothers in the mall where we take a walk everyday. Reminding us of "Praise Innocence", the song in Michael's first Impulse album "Spirit Dance" 72', this song is considered the first JAZZ album with children singing! THEN we got home, got a message from Ian Scott Horst left on our facebook wall saying "Do you know about this cd reissue?

Hey we did not know Oh well kind of know . . . :))) What we know is we are in SYNC with the UNIVERSE! LOVE IT ?

Salute to Michael's Legendary Album "Spirit Dance" is finally reissued just yesterday September 14th 2011 in JAPAN, as a part of the Impulse Record 50th Anniversary Reissue Total 20 Titles which all were highly requested for CD reissues, and in the high quality CD series called SHM-CD. it will be on sale in September 20th 2011 in USA, now in pre-order worldwide.

NOW we can answer all our fan's inquiry and request, yes Spirit Dance is in CD!!! LOVE from Leisei & Michael

Buy Spirit Dance in USA at DustyGroove : Amazon

One of the killer albums that Michael White cut for Impulse Records in the early 70 – a sweet set of spiritual jazz that took his instrument to a whole new level! Normally, the violin isn't an instrument we love in jazz, but White really transforms it here – playing it with a stretched-out, spiritual sound that's almost like a saxophone – really hitting a fresh sound that's mighty nice. Other instrumentation includes a nicely organic blend of piano from Ed Kelly, bass from Ray Drummond, and percussion and flutes from Baba Omson – often building in the way you'd get with a Pharoah Sanders album, but with a gentler, more personal sound. There's a bit of vocals at points from Makeda & Wanika King – and tracks include "The Tenth Pyramid", "Spirit Dance", "John Coltrane Was Here", and "Unlocking The Twelfth House" - dustygroove.com

Buy Spirit Dance in JAPAN at cdJAPAN : Amazon

News: tour the ARTS.MWQ@CCGLA Info & Tickets

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0800

design by Mirza Todorovich & Leisei Chen, photo by Masami Goto

design by Mirza Todorovich & Leisei Chen

logo design by Leisei Chen, Michael White & Martiros MarHak Halopisn

Limited Seatings Buy Tickets Today!

News: Michael White Solo

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:30:00 -0800

Michael White Solo - Grand Performances - Build An Ark
from Jennifer Ruggiero on July 23. 2011

News: Press Release : tour the ARTS.MWQ At Croatian Cultural Center Of Greater Los Angeles

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:33:00 -0800

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MICHAEL WHITE QUINTET UNIT 2 KICKS OFF

COLLABORATIVE ARTS INITIATIVE TOUR THE ARTS.MWQ

WITH A NEW SERIES BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 25

SERIES COMBINES LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES, PRESENTATIONS

BY VISUAL ARTISTS, AND EXHIBITIONS AT THE

CROATIAN CULTURAL CENTER OF GREATER LOS ANGELES

SEPTEMBER 25, OCTOBER 1, AND OCTOBER 8

July 21, 2011 (Los Angeles, CA) The award-winning Michael White Quintet UNIT2 inaugurates their new initiative, tour the ARTS.MWQ, with a weekly series running Saturday, September 25 through Sunday, October 8 at the Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles (CCCGLA) in San Pedro. The multicultural, uniquely collaborative events join performances from an array of musicians, conversations with visual artists, and art exhibitions to celebrate the beauty of art in its many forms. Leisei Chen and Michael White of the Michael White Quintet UNIT2 curate the series, which is hosted by CCCGLA President Maya Bristow. The quintet also performs at each event, which features a different visual artist and musical duo.

Audiences at each tour the ARTS.MWQ event will have the opportunity not just to view visual art on display or to listen to music, but also to experience from the artists and musicians together in their own unique presentations. Each event begins at 6:30 pm with a multimedia presentation from a visual artist, followed by live music. On September 25, abstract painter Matiros Hakopian (MarHak) is followed by the Mojacar Flamenco duo, and on October 1, impressionist and portrait painter Evrika Zatikian (EVO) is followed by innovative chamber music duo Alma Nova. At the final event on October 8, alpinist and photographer Mirza Todorovich is followed by the Paul Livingstone Duo, plays the creative tradition of Indian classical raga music. Each evening continues with a performance from the Michael White Quintet UNIT2 and ends with a raffle and celebratory reception.

The tour the ARTS.MWQ concept is the brainchild of Leisei Chen & Michael White, partners in life and music, and founders of the Michael White Quintet. The initiative derives from their long-held vision to bring the quintet to spaces that allow for collaboration with artists from all cultures and disciplines. White and Chen derive inspiration from various sources, from visual art to martial arts and dance, and take their holistic approach to music-making. White says, “We play music like painting the pictures, making the scenes” The two feel that each artist participating in tour the ARTS.MWQ has a special role to play, just as jazz musicians do within a group. Says Chen, “As artists and musicians, we are all so excited to see how our own arts and music will influence each other’s.” The group trusts these collaborations will let them explore their own artistic potential more deeply, and continue to express their group’s cornerstones: love, healing, inspiration, and hope.

Chen and White are themselves the cornerstones of the Michael White Quintet UNIT2. Group leader White was recently honored as a Living Legend in jazz, and his voice on violin has been called “one of the more distinctive in jazz.” Versatile vocalist Chen, drawing on a vast array of cultural traditions, serves as muse and co-writer for much of the material from the group’s recent release, Voices. Along with some of Los Angeles’ most talented musicians on percussion, bass and guitar, the quintet seamlessly combines soulful original songs, jazz classics, and latin grooves, delighting audiences worldwide.

Tickets for each tour the ARTS.MWQ event (Saturday, September 25; Sunday, October 1 and Sunday, October 8) are $10 in advance online at tourtheartsmwq01.eventbrite.com and $15 at the door. Raffle tickets are free with admission. For more information, visit leisei-michael.com or contact the CCCGLA at feedback@croatianculture.org.

Legendary jazz violinist Michael White is a composer, educator, and innovator who has been a major recording artist on Impulse and Elektra/Asylum records, and has played alongside musical giants including John Coltrane, Sun Ra, Stevie Wonder, among many others. His musical endeavors over the decades have taken him through a number of genres, and his newly released CD "Voices" prompted the formation of the Michael White Quintet. "We discovered that our musical philosophy had a mutual, spiritual dynamic. The four cornerstones of our music are 'Love, Healing, Inspiration and Hope.' Our sound is intended to touch one's heart and fill one's body with a 'kozmic groove!'" says White. The Michael White Quintet: Unit 2 keeps that spirit of positivity intact, combining versatile guitarist Timothy Young and soulful vocalist Leisei Chen, the quintet's original members, with new, accomplished LA-based musicians Jon Ossman on bass (Paula Cole, Marc Cohn) and Danny Frankel on drums (K.D. Lang, Bebel Gilberto). With each member a true musical master in his and her own right, the quintet bridges cultures, genres, and backgrounds, for a sound that is truly "ageless, timeless, and borderless." For more information about the Michael White Quintet, please visit: leisei-michael.com.

The Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles (CCCGLA) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to educating the general public about the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Croatia. Their vision is to engage not only people of Croatian-American descent, but all people with a desire to participate in our activities, events, classes and fundraisers. The CCCGLA offers a variety of programs for the community’s participation and enjoyment, including: Croatian language classes, traditional folk dance classes, exhibits by local and international artists, film festivals, and lectures on a various topics. The center partners with local outreach organizations, merchants, churches, elected officials and other ethnic associations to represent and reinforce the power and positive influence of diversity in the community.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE

tour the ARTS.MWQ

Artist Presentation + Exhibition + Live Performance

Series hosted by Maya Bristow and curated by the Michael White Quintet UNIT2 joining multimedia presentations and visual art exhibitions with multicultural musical performances

Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles

510 W. 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731

feedback@croatianculture.org

DATES AND TIMES

Saturday, September 25; Sunday, October 1; Sunday, October 8

Doors open 5:30 pm, with presentations and performances from 6:30 - 9:30 pm followed by reception and raffle.

PERFORMING MUSICIANS Michael White Quintet UNIT2 sonicbids.com/michaelwhitequintet - Michael White, violin and Leisei Chen vocals, Tim Young Guitar, Jon Ossman Bass, Danny Frankel Percussion

Mojacar Flamenco (September 25) mojacarflamenco.com

Alma Nova (October 1) - flute & guitar duo, Jessica Pierce and Almer Imamovic almanova.us

Paul Livingstone Duo (October 8) - sitar, the creative Indian classical ragas tanpura.com

VISUAL ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Matiros Hakopian (MarHak), abstract painter (September 25) marhak.com

Evrika Zatikyan (EVO), impressionist and portrait painter (October 1)

Mirza Todorovich, photographer and alpinist (October 8) alpiner.net

For samples of artists’ work, please request photos - press@leisei-michael.com

TICKET PRICES

$10 in advance, $15 at the door - free raffle tickets issued with admission

TICKET INFO

Tickets available online at tourtheartsmwq01.eventbrite.com and at the door at each event.

PRESS CONTACT

Leisei Chen 323-366-9986, press@leisei-michael.com

###

News: Michael White Quintet UNIT2 Selected As A Los Angeles County Arts Commission Group 2011-2014!

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

We are proud to announce that Michael White Quintet UNIT2 has been officially selected as a Los Angeles County Arts Commission (LACAC) group. The LACAC Musicians Roster primarily serves as a resource for Presenters of Free Concerts in Public Sites, of the rich and diverse talent available to them. The Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County. The Commission provides leadership in cultural services for the County, including information and resources for the community, artists, educators, arts organizations and municipalities. So look for MWQ UNIT2 to bring their talents to the public and community stages of Los Angeles County.

News: R.I.P. Billy Bang

Mon, 30 May 2011 02:00:00 -0800

©The New York City Jazz Records
Michael wrote a tribute text for Billy Bang, published in June 2011 Issue Of The New York City Jazz Record

News: In Sync With The Universe

Sat, 28 May 2011 18:45:00 -0800

Yesterday Michael & Leisei were chilling out at "Barnes and Noble" in the Americana for coffee where they have a beautiful third floor balcony. We were looking out at the fountains, the lawns surrounded by trees, children laughing and playing, old JAZZ playing through many many speakers, birds flying over hopping and pecking crumbs. "Peace in Chaos" : ) so to speak with sun shinning blissfully.

On the way out, we were coming down an escalator, got to go through book shelves to get to another. Then all of a sudden, we smelled good fragrances and STOPPED, PAUSED, LOOKED around . . . Ahhhh it's the music section Ahhhh the Jazz section.

ZOOM! TWO JAZZ books on the shelve came to Leisei's eyes, we found out that Michael was featured in those books : )

John Coltrane : His Life And Music By Lewis Porter

It was on Page 367 " - 1962 - May 1-20. San Francisco. Jazz Work. DB, July 5 says Dolphy, Wes Montgomery and violinist Michael White sat in during the last day, when there was a matinee and possibly a final evening show as well."

Michael never mentioned it till 6 years ago, his brother Teddy reminded him to make sure we should add it (playing with John Coltrane) onto our press kit. Yes Michael has been and still is the man looking ahead hardily ever looking back, busy improving his music, playing and dreaming. But in recent years we have looked into all of his musical history. Also with modern technologies, we have found quite a bit of written proof. And nowadays he is more willing to share his stories with the public!

Freedom, Rhythm, & Sound - Revolutionary Jazz Cover Art 1965 to 1983 By Gilles Peterson & Stuart Baker.

A beautiful hard cover weighs tons : ) with an incredible collection of revolutionary jazz album cover art from 60s & 70s! It featured the cover art Michael's Impulse Album "Pneuma", and "The Blessing Song" was also featured on their accompanied two set compilation CDs "Freedom Rhythm & Sound Revolutionary Jazz In The USA 1965-80" from Soul Jazz Records 2009. We were happy to see that many of our friends and Jazz masters were also featured Cecil McBee, Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders, Phil Ranelin, Prince Lasha among others.

When we are in the ZONE, our senses will over-ride any pre-conceived notions & knowledges, and we flow with least resistance. Then we know we are in TUNE, in SYNC with the UNIVERSE * . * * . * Receiving through and sending out. We love those moments!

With LOVE, Leisei & Michael

News: Show: May 1st, 2011 : Open Gates Theatre Presents Sunday Concert Series

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Sunday May 1st, 2011 : 7 PM-9:30PM

@ Center of The Arts, Eagle Rock

2225 COLORADO BLVD. Los Angeles

tel. 626.795.4989

$10 (Students/Seniors/Series Performers: $5 with valid ID at door)

Free street parking is available, and there is also parking available at the Bank of America parking lot.

Michael White Quintet UNIT2

Michael White - Violin

Leisei Chen - Vocals-Voice-Percussion

Timothy Young - Guitar

Jon Ossman - Acoustic Bass

Danny Frankel - Percussion

The Concert will be filmed by Andrew Van Baal followed by an Interview session!

+ Missincinatti

CD "Voices" $15, CD "Voice Of Brazil" $10

On Sale At This Show. We Accept Credit Cards!

About Open Gate Theatre

Open Gate Theatre was founded in 1982 by Artistic Director Will Salmon. They are dedicated to opening the gates between music, dance, and drama; between cultures; between the unconscious and the conscious; between emotion, mind and spirit. Open Gate is both an ensemble and a creative collective, combining image with sound, voice with movement, and poetics with light; Open Gate strives for a theatre that is both passionate and numinous. Open Gate is a unique approach to theatre; unified in its expression and impulse, diverse in its sources and disciplines. For more information, contact Artistic Director Will Salmon 626.795.4989

News: MWQ's LIVE At The Sputnik Launching In 1957

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

In January 25 2011 at the state of union, president OBAMA mentioned about "SPUTNIK moment" . . . then Michael said "At that moment SPUTNIK - the world first Russian Satelite - launching, I was with my band Michael White Quartet at the Channel 5's Studio in San Francisco playing music LIVE " For the Michael White Quartet , it was the another cosmic moment! As JAZZ musicians, it was a perfect way to spend the magical moment!!!

It was October 4th 1957

We are wondering if the program ARCHIVE still available ??? Maybe with recent highlights about SPUTNIK MOMENT, the video archive might appear on Youtube to us to see it and hear it??? . . . maybe . . . Michael added that "This opportunity arose way before the band released any albums . . . " We guessed the TV miraculously found the very Kozmic Groove band in town :))))))

News: Mastery Of JAZZ A Hint From The Wes Montgomery Story

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:14:00 -0800

We were commenting on Buddy Montgomery's Birthday, January 31st on Facebook led us reminiscence of this story his older brother Wes Montgomery the great Jazz Guitarist.

Wes Montgomery's great Jazz guitar style came from LOVE of his family. He had a day job when he was coming up so he had to practice at night and he did not want to wake up his wife and children, practicing very softly and quietly let to his style of playing.

Well lucky him that is exactly one of the keys to master JAZZ, "play each sound slowly, softly and quietly like going under your skin" said and say by Many Jazz Masters. We also know great Jazz players practice like this for many hours a day. This way, one can develop the great sense of touch and strength, sounds refine and get bigger naturally with effortless ease, resonate with everything and ring eternally. So as playing fast will be easier too . . It's truly a win win situation :))) It requires discipline to practice this way and the result is significant! It's exactly as the TAI JI & Qigong practices too, they help us rise ENERGY - Life Force to endure JAZZ discipline!!! Put one's self in that mode to practice and taking time can be hard at times, it also might require a kind of life style to do so. We hear many JAZZ players nowadays with complex technical facilities, sounds impressive and exciting. But sounds tight and dry, noisy and not complete. They might probably are not taking time for this kind of discipline . . .

The TIME well spent for the Mastery of JAZZ is PRECIOUS we witness. The sounds will last a long long time and deep to hearts of people through generations "Timeless and Ageless" Everything will pay off at the end!

Michael performed with Buddy Montgomery at a JAZZ festival in Minnesota. Michael also performed with Wes Montgomery, at the John Coltrane Quartet, John Coltrane, Jimmy Gallison, Elvin Jones, and McCoy Tyner with Eric Dolphy, the gig in San Francisco 1965 as a special guest.

Wes Montgomery - Impression 1965 : Wes Montgomery (guitar), Harold Mabern (piano), Arthur Harper (bass), Jimmy Lovelace (drums) who was our dear friend, great touch we miss him too !

News: UCLA Live Presents Alice Coltrane Tribute Dec. ...

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:54:00 -0800

UCLA Live Presents Alice Coltrane Tribute Dec. 5 All-star evening includes performances from McCoy Tyner, Kyp Malone, Nels Cline, Han Bennink, Daniel Carter, Michael White & Leisei Chen, Radha Botofasina, plus Flying Lotus and special guests

News: Show: December 5th, 2010 : Alice Coltrane Tribute

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Sunday December 5th, 2010 : 7 PM -

@ Royce Hall : UCLA Live!

340 Royce Dr., Los Angeles, California 90095

tel. 310.825.4401

$28/38/48 ($15 UCLA students)

BUY TICKETS

Alice Coltrane Tribute featuring McCoy Tyner, Kyp Malone, Nels Cline, Han Bennink, Daniel Carter, Michael White & Leisei Chen, Radha Botofasina, Flying Lotus and special guests

A host of all-star musicians pay tribute to jazz legend Alice Coltrane at UCLA, the site of her historic 1976 recording Transfiguration. Led by Kyp Malone (TV on the Radio, Rain Machine) and co-curated by famed record producer Ian Brennan, the night will feature inspirational and improvisatory music with jazz keyboard legend and John Coltrane collaborator McCoy Tyner, guitarist Nels Cline (Wilco), acclaimed Dutch free-improvisation drummer Han Bennink, free jazz saxophone great Daniel Carter, jazz violin pioneer Michael White with vocalist Leisei Chen and harpist and vocalist Radha Botofasina--plus Alice Coltrane’s great-nephew and rising modern rock/electronic star Flying Lotus and others. Lineup subject to change. Lineup subject to change. Supported by the Ginny Mancini Endowment for Vocal Performance : Media Sponsor 89.3 KPCC

"One Rare Special Guests Appearance Michael & Leisei DUO"

Michael White's musical history with John & Alice Coltrane - In 1965, Michael White has appeared in San Francisco, as a special guest with The John Coltrane Quartet, McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Gallison, Elvin Jones, along with Wes Mongomery and Eric Dolphy. In 70' the Impulse! Recording Tours - the Michael White Quartet together with bands and groups of Alice Coltrane, Pharaoh Sanders, Archie Shepp, John Klemmer nationally and internationally at major colleges and festivals. In 1971, Michael credited in John Coltrane "Infinity" album as a violinist of the string section. in 1974, Michael joined the recording on Joe Henderson's album "Elements" with Alice Coltrane. Michael performed with Alice Coltrance, Tootie Heath, and others at one of the black community parks in Los Angeles in 80'.

News: Show: November 19th, 2010 : MWQ UNIT2 @Blue Whale

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Friday November 19th, 2010 : 9 PM - Midnight

@ Blue Whale in Little Tokyo

123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite 301, Los Angeles

tel. 213.620.0908

$10 at door

Free Parking With Validation : Parking Entrance is on 2nd st. between los angeles and san pedro

"Reflecting On Beauty, Season And Spirits Of Sharing"

Michael White Quintet UNIT2

Michael White Violin, Leisei Chen Vocals-Voice-Percussion, Timothy Young Guitar, Jon Ossman Acoustic Bass, Danny Frankel Percussion

CD "Voices" $15, CD "Voice Of Brazil" $10 on Sale At This Show

News: Show: September 10th, 2010 : MWQ UNIT2 @Blue Whale

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Friday September 10th, 2010 : 9 PM - Midnight

@ Blue Whale in Little Tokyo

123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite 301, Los Angeles

tel. 213.620.0908

$10 at door

Free Parking With Validation : Parking Entrance is on 2nd st. between los angeles and san pedro

Michael White Quintet UNIT2

Michael White Violin, Leisei Chen Vocals-Voice-Percussion, Timothy Young Guitar, Jon Ossman Acoustic Bass, Danny Frankel Percussion

We will cover Original Music from our albums "VOICES" and "THE LAND OF SPIRIT AND LIGHT", Jazz Classics, Latin/Brazilian Music, Spontaneous Sounds & Rare Grooves.

CD "Voices" $15, CD "Voice Of Brazil" $10 on Sale At This Show

News: Michael's First Appearance With Impulse Recordings

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:38:00 -0800

"Astral Traveling" A Memorable Recording. The producer Ed Mitchell called Michael one day asking him to join the recording and being BIRD SOUNDS. This Recording led to sign by Impulse with His leading FIVE Recordings "Spirit Dance"71' "Pneuma" 72' "The Land Of Spirit And Light" 73' "Father Music Mother Dance" 74' "Go With The Flow" 74'. The Impulse Tours with Bands of Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, John Klemmer and Michael White Quartet for major International Jazz Festivals appearances, Jazz Camps, Colleges * . * See Below "Program Set For 73' Montreux Festival" What a lineup!!!

A Very Supportive Environment with Impulse Recordings. Artists were free to express their music through his/her musical visions fully without restrictions or demands. Michael also was in order to keep all his mechanical rights of his compositions as well as his band member's compositions for all five recordings.

What a blessing!

Pharoah and Michael were known each other way back and played together around 1948 in Oakland. Pharoah came from the Little Rock Arkansas so his nick name was "Little Rock". They formed a group called "Oakland Raiders" with Young Jazz Greats in Oakland such as Ed Kelly, Smiley Winters, Skippy Warren etc. They went to Jazz Clubs in San Francisco often to have Jazz Jam Battles with "San Francisco Raiders" :))))))))))

william, pharoah, michael @catalina's 11.08.08 photo by leisei chen

News: Billboard 09.04.71 "ABC Free Form Convention"

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:49:00 -0800

Billboard 09.04.71 "ABC Free Form Convention" - Page 8 -

"MICHAEL WHITE, free form violinist, performs while being recorded live at the Kabuki Theatre. His album is slated for early fall release. Other artists from the Impulse and ABC/Dunhill line who 'helped wind up the convention included Mel Brown, John Lee Hooker, Clifford Coviter, John Klemmer and Danny Cox. . . "

Early fall release probably means Michael's First Impulse Release "Spirit Dance". We were wondering if there is the LIVE recording still exist from this convention?

News: Show: July 2, 2010 : MWQ UNIT2 @Blue Whale

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Michael White Quintet UNIT2 The First JAZZ Club appearance here in Los Angeles!!! For experiencing our music and live performance as well as the newly opened live Jazz bar "Blue Whale" which has a great acoustic listening environment, separate modern ambience bar area where friendly bartenders serve beautiful cocktails with delicious korean fusion dishes!

Friday July 2nd, 2010 : 9 PM - Midnight

@ Blue Whale in Little Tokyo

123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite 301, Los Angeles

tel. 213.620.0908

$10 at door

Free Parking With Validation : Parking Entrance is on 2nd st. between los angeles and san pedro

Michael White Quintet UNIT2

Michael White Violin, Leisei Chen Vocals-Voice-Percussion, Timothy Young Guitar, Jon Ossman Acoustic Bass, Danny Frankel Percussion

We will cover Original Music from our albums "VOICES" and "THE LAND OF SPIRIT AND LIGHT", Jazz Classics, Latin/Brazilian Music, Spontaneous Sounds & Rare Grooves.

CD "Voices" $15, CD "Voice Of Brazil" $10 on Sale At This Show

News: News: Leisei's Birthday

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0800

We celebrated Leisei's Birthday at the LA Zoo . . . We got there around 2 PM ahhh . . . All the animals were taking naps :) Well we still loved the landscape of the Zoo and light Spring breeze felt on our faces while riding the shuttle bus. Inspired by their colors, sounds & rhythms. So ORGANIC!

News: News: Surprise At The Event

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:20:00 -0800

We were so surprised and still feel elated, because Michael received the Certificate Of Recognition from the California State Legislature Assembly, the U.S. House of Representative and Senate at the Living Legends & More Panel Discussion & Jam Session presented by Jammin Foundation and Linda Morgan, Ms. SmoothAhead Jazz in April 22, 2010 !!! We did not know this was happening :)))) They were taking pictures and video taping . . . Wow totally surprised us!!!!! After the celebration, we performed with Jacques Lesure trio at the jam session, Leisei sung "Day Dream" and Michael played "Summer Time" with the trio. Thank you for everyone who supported this occasion. We are humbled and deeply touched :)

News: News: Certificate Of Recognition From California Legislature Assembly

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:48:00 -0800

California Legislature

Assembly

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

April 22, 2010

Michael White

Musician

On behalf of myself and the Constituents of the 48th Assembly

District, I congratulate you on your many achievements and

contributions to the world of Jazz, an African American Art

Form.

Best Wishes on all future endeavors.

(signature)

Mike Davis

MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY

48th ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE

News: News: Certificate Of Special Recognition From U.S. House Of Representatives

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:20:00 -0800

Certificate Of Special Recognition

presented to

Michael White

on the occasion of being honored as a Living Legend by The Jammin

Foundation; and in recognition of your outstanding contributions to

Jazz Music in Los Angeles and around the world; your commitment

to maintaining jazz music and protecting the legacies of jazz

musicians, has earned you this esteemed honor from your peers

(signature)

Maxine Waters

Member of Congress

35th District, California

On this 22nd Day of April, 2010

News: News: Certificate Of Recognition From U.S. Senate

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:23:00 -0800

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Senate

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

Michael White

WHEREAS Michael White was born May 24, 1930 in Houston, Texas and raised in Oakland, California. At the age of 7, Michael picked up the violin and hasn't put it down since; and

WHEREAS Michael White is a jazz violinist/ composer/ educator; and

WHEREAS Michael introduced the violin into the free jazz scenes of the Bay Area and New York, playing with luminaries such as Sun Ra and Pharoah Sanders; and

WHEREAS Jazz gives a powerful voice to the African American experience and is born of a diverse society, uniting people across the divides of race, region, and national boundaries, and draws from life experience and human emotion; and

WHEREAS over his long and distinguished career, Michael White performed and worked with many Jazz Legends; such as John Coltrane, Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders, John Handy, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Stevie Wonder, Sonny Simmons and many others; and

WHEREAS Michael White's CD Voices "Mechanical Man" in Song-Jazz Category was an 2007 Winner in The 6th Annual Independent Music Awards (IMAs); and

WHEREAS Michael White's voice and violin has a profound effect on his listeners around the world; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY SENATOR RODERICK D. WRIGHT, on this twenty-second day of April 2010, That Michael White be commended for his remarkable talent and dedication to the art of Jazz, and extended sincere best wishes for continued success in the future.

(signature)

RODERICK D. WRIGHT

MEMBER OF THE SENATE 25th DISTRICT

CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE

News: Leisei's Birthday

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0800

News: Show: Apr 11, 2010 @ Grandstar Jazz Club

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 03:00:00 -0800

Michael White & Leisei Chen of Michael White Quintet will sell and sign CDs "Voices" & "Voice Of Brazil" at this event! Over 30 Invited Vendors & Collectors Buying Selling & Trading Records from all over The World. BLUES - DISCO - FUNK - HIP HOP - JAZZ - PUNK - REGGAE - ROCK - SOUL - WORLD

News: Michael White Phone Interview by DJ Sesqui

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:28:57 -0800

Michael White will be phone interviewed by DJ Sesqui for his radio show in Portland, Oregon called "Astral Traveling" on KBOO 90.7 FM about his amazing career. Stay tune for the airing schedule!

News: Show: Apr 22, 2010 @ Regency West Supper Club

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:00:00 -0800

Jammin Foundation and Linda Morgan, Ms. SmoothAhead Jazz Presents Living Legends & More Jazz Panel Discussion & Jam Session. As we celebrate "Jazz Appreciation Month" Moderated by Bubba Jackson & Tommy Hawkins. Panelists: Larry Nash, Ndugu Chancler, Bennie Maupin, John Daniel Stephens & James Benson. Honoring, Multi-Instrumentalist, Buddy Collette, & Violinist, Michael White. Jammin Jazz Ensemble will be in the house with it's Music Director, Jacques Lesure. "The Status of Jazz" & "Protecting The Legacy of Jazz & Jazz Musicians". Early Arrival is strongly suggested!

News: Show: May 15, 2010 @ Cornerstone Music Conservatory

Sat, 15 May 2010 03:00:00 -0800

Workshop "Spontaneous Inspiration For Jazz Improvision" Colors + Emotions + Sounds by Michael White & Leisei Chen + Live Performance by Michael White Quartet, Michael White violin, Leisei Chen vocals, Tim Young guitar, Danny Frankel percussion.CD "Voices"($15) & "Voice Of Brazil"($10) for sale.

Contact: Ann Pittel : Email. musicorner@aol.com

Admission: Adult $15 : Children (under 10 yrs.old) $10

Reservation highly recommended

This Workshop is a funraiser for The Allegro Foundation (www.allegrofoundation.net) "A Champion for Children with Disabilities" is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that combines movement instruction with educational and medical expertise, creating a new vehicle to teach children with disabilities and enhance their quality of life.

News: Show: May 22, 2010 @ Cornerstone Music Conservatory

Sat, 22 May 2010 03:00:00 -0800

Contact: Ann Pittel : Email. musicorner@aol.com

Admission: Adult $15 : Children (under 10 yrs.old) $10

Reservation highly recommended

News: S-MWQ Blog Updates

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Michael's Certificate Of Recognition from California Assembly, US House Of Representitives, and Senate posted at our blog. Please visit http://s-mwq-blog.blogspot.com

News: NEW Michael White Quintet Official Website!

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Enjoy The Vibrations Of Colors!

Press: CD Voices

Fri, 05 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

”There's much radiant warmth and intelligence on display on this cd, with outstanding playing, particularly from Michael White and Tim Young, throughout. Some of my favorite things (so far) - 'Circumambulation'; the parts of 'Serenade' with the violin uncannily doubling Leisei Chen's voice, 'Mechanical Man'... I'm glad I found out about Michael White, and 'Voices'. - Steve Wilson

Press: CD Voices

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

" . . . Voices may come from a variety of places, but at its core is White, whose own vulnerable voice remains one of the more distinctive in jazz violin." - All About Jazz

Press: CD Voices

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

" . .. This endeavor is seemingly steeped within a plight to uncover a hidden beauty of sorts as White’s artistic mastery radiates in multifarious colors here!" - eJazz News

Press: CD Voices

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

”..Michael White has gathered here gorgeous pieces that viewers can enjoy as a warm backdrop through its modest voicing or as an intricate study of the more difficult negotiations of classical recordings.” - Beyond Race Magazine

Press: Michael White Quintet

Mon, 05 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0800

”I savored the rasping moans and chanting clangs of this adventurous violinist's new CD, Voices (Izniz Recordings). White's burgundy tone, funky pizzicati, and easygoing arrangements smartly blend jazz and folk music from around the world . . . . “ - The Stranger

Press: Michael White Quintet

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0800

”... ACUTE NOTES THAT PLAY UNIVERSAL are the case in which music of “is meant deep”: it has need of being explained, being analyzed and beingrationalize to its context. There is then the music that speaks alone:music and sound that are beautiful, simply beautiful...” - Jazz Magazine