Sacramento-based Michael Kollwitz (A.K.A. Michael K), is one of the most experienced
and most active Stick players in the world today. This year alone he has played over 100
concerts and released a new CD, a new live concert DVD and a downloadable "greatest hits."
collection.
With a performing career that extends back to the early 1980's, Michael has been there
practically since the beginning of the Stick phenomenon, picking up his first instrument
in 1976 after seeing Emmett demonstrating it at a local college.
Thirty years, hundreds of performances and ten releases later, he's developed his own
distinctive style that's bright and engaging, winning over audiences with his affable
stage presence, lyrical melodies and fiery solos. His repertoire draws from all
directions, jazz, Latin, pop, classical and rock and roll. From his base in Sacramento,
Michael frequently travels to art fairs, festivals and even airports, turning on thousands of
new listeners to his own unique brand of Stick music.
Michael's most recent release is his Live in Concert DVD. Recorded last summer
in Sacramento, California, this 80-minute disc highlights what an accomplished soloist and
entertaining performer Michael has become. For twenty tracks (and five costume changes)
he alternately wows the crowd with driving upbeat grooves and then chills them down with
soulful ballads. The list of tracks includes several originals, plus jazz standards like "Summertime",
and "Black Orpheus," and rock classics like "Little Wing," "Nights in White Satin" and
"California Dreamin'".
This DVD and his latest CD, Waterfallin' both feature the new Alto Stick, making Michael one of the
first players to fully integrate its sweet high sound into his music. It's a natural
progression for an artist that's always been willing to explore what's new in the Stick world
and integrate it into his own art.
Waterfallin', Michael's 7th CD, was released last April. His tasteful arrangements feature layered Grand Stick and
MIDI synth beds with beautiful Alto melodies laid over the top on most of the tracks.
You can read Jim Reilly's review of Waterfallin' from a recent Sticknews digest here:
Sticknews #288.
Michael is a busy performer. Check out his upcoming performance schedule
here.
For more information about Michael Kollwitz's music, see his website: www.michaelkollwitz.com