Aaron Michael's High Five

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2018-02-24.

Stemming from a musical family, Aaron began playing the alto saxophone at an early age and after finishing high school went on to study Jazz at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music during which time he made the switch to the Tenor Saxophone. Studying with Col Loughnan, John Hoffman, Tony Buchanan and James Ryan he quickly developed a high level of craftsmanship on the tenor saxophone.

In 1999 Aaron moved to Sydney and has since become one of the busiest and most in-demand saxophone players on the scene today. Aaron has performed with an array of artists that includes international touring acts such as The Brand New Heavies, Tower of Power, Michael Bolton, Tony Hadley, Go West and ABC. Local artists include James Morrison, Dan Barnett, David Campbell, Phil Emmanuel, Katie Noonan, Wendy Mathews, Sydney All-Star Big Band and many more.

While being highly in demand as a session musician, he has also recorded two albums with the legendary Australian singer Jeff Duff. Aaron helped produce the singers show “Ground Control to Frank Sinatra” which sold out three shows at the Sydney Opera House Studio and headlined the Adelaide cabaret festival and toured extensively throughout Australia over a period of four years.

In February 2012 Aaron and fellow Saxophonist James Ryan formed the 13 piece Sonic Mayhem Orchestra. Comprised of some of the best Jazz musicians in the country. SMO has already played over 20 performances.

November 2012 saw the release of his first solo album. Simply titled “Aaron Michael” this debut album features a line-up of some of Sydney’s finest musicians; Matt McMahon (piano), Paul Derricott (drums), Duncan Brown (bass) and Dieter Kleemann (guitar). The album was featured as 89.7fm Eastside Radio’s ‘album of the week’

“Most of the memorable moments for me at live gigs have been getting to see my favourite musicians play live for the first time.

There is a level of energy and excitement that existed for me on these gigs that is very similar to being a young musician discovering Jazz for the first time.

In no particular order here are five gigs that spring to mind.”

1. YELLOWJACKETS - the Basement, Sydney 2001.

Bob Mintzer - Saxophone/EWI; Russell Ferrante - Piano/Keys; Jimmy Haslip - Bass; Marcus Baylor - Drums

They played three nights in a row. I caught two of them and I still have a bootleg of the other night which a friend made. I have seen the band again since but for me I don’t think they will ever sound as good as they did on this tour. A friend’s wife commented after the gig saying that although she didn’t understand the music, she felt uplifted and inspired. This was the first time that I realised how much positive influence good music can have on people.

2. BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET – The Sydney Opera House 2001

Branford Marsalis - Tenor/Soprano Saxophone; Joey Calderazzo - Piano; Eric Revis - Bass; Jeff “Tain” Watts- Drums

The band was touring its latest album which is one of my favourite albums - Requiem. This gig speaks for itself. All I can say is that Branford’s sound is the only reason that I even own a soprano saxophone.

3. STING – The Brisbane Entertainment Centre 1996.

The “Mercury Falling Tour” with Sting - Bass; Dominic Miller - Guitar; Kenny Kirkland - Keyboards; Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums

I’ve been a big fan of Sting ever since I discovered the “Bring on the Night” video as a kid. It was great to be able to see Kenny play on this gig before he passed away.

4. GARY BURTON, PAT METHENY, STEVE SWALLOW, ANTONIO SANCHEZ – The Barbican, London 2008

This is the only time I have seen Pat Metheny, one of my favourite musicians, play live. It was a whole other experience than listening to records. He had an authority and strength in his playing that seemed to project itself straight to the heart of the listener. Incredibly inspiring.

5. This may be cheating a little bit so I won’t describe these next gigs too much but they definitely changed my life as much as the others.

Chris Potter Quartet @ Ronnie Scotts 2008

Mike Stern Trio @ Van Gogh’s Earlobe, Brisbane 1994 or 1995

Kenny Garrett Quartet @ Ronnie Scotts 2007

Quentin Collins/Brandon Allen Quartet @ any of their gigs in London 2007-08