BIOGRAPHY

Michael is a London-born multi-genre composer and vocalist, spanning musical styles from Contemporary Classical to Soul/R&B. He studied composition and clarinet at the Royal College of Music in London 1981-5 and was a member of the 9-piece R&B group Buddy Curtess and the Grasshoppers from 1985-89, winning the Time Out award for best live act two years running.

He is presently vocalist and composer with a capella groups The Shout and Flying Pickets, as well as guesting as songwriter/vocalist on a number of other recording projects including "Butcherd" Beats and Casino.

Michael also has professional experience as a musical director, choreographer, bass guitarist, saxophonist, lyricist and vocal theatre facilitator.

VOCAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Live backing vocals for: Chaka Khan, George Michael, The Pet Shop Boys, Jamelia, Barry Manilow, Dave McCalmont, Ian Shaw.
Recorded Backing vocals for: Dianna Ross, Chrissy Hynde, Robbie Williams, Billy Bragg, Jose Carreras, Michael Ball, John Harle.
Supporting artist to: Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Suzanne Vega, Aswad, The Cure, The Stranglers, The Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Doctor Feelgood.
Classical soloist with: Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Glyndebourne, Ensemble Modern, Matrix Ensemble, Lontano, Shiva Nova, Ensemble X.
Featured vocalist in Scott Walker's Drfting and Tilting at the Barbican in 2009.

COMPOSITION HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Stand for 16 voices, performed at the BBC Proms 2006
Rocket Symphony for 500 voices and fireworks, co-composed with Orlando Gough to herald Linz as the 2009 European Capital of Culture
Circus Tricks, an opera collaboration with librettist Adey Grummet, performed at the 2009 Tete-aTete festival. A full length version has now been commissioned for an Autumn 2010 run.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Vocal MD on the Nobel Prize winning playwright Wole Soyinka's Death and the King's Horseman at the National Theatre February-July 2009
Musical Director for the Flying Pickets 25th anniversary tour Changing Times in 2007

(Downloadable biogs coming soon)