ABOUT MICHAEL |
the people in the front
are going to have a good time
the people in the back
are going to have a good time too
MICHAEL VLATKOVICH
Michael Vlatkovich is now available for solo, small or large ensemble engagements. In addition to leading his own critically acclaimed ensembles, the trombonist/composer is also available for lecture-demonstrations or clinics.
Michael Vlatkovich, trombonist, arranger, and composer, is one of the leading talents among Los Angeles improvisational players. Located on the West Coast since 1973, he is an emotionally charged performer at home in a variety of jazz and world music styles. Vlatkovich has performed extensively in the United States, Canada, and Europe. His music expresses the raw power and beauty of improvisational freedom set within a minimally structured format.
Of his music Vlatkovich says, "I want the music I create to exist as an ever present, ever changing environment where emotions continually intermingle. I hope to rekindle in the listener these emotions which all of us know and feel.
In addition to leading his own diverse and imaginative ensembles, Vlatkovich has performed with a wide array of singers and instrumentalists including Peggy Lee, Mel Torme, Toni Basil, Bill Mays, Oingo Boingo, Johnny Mandel, Bobby Bradford, John Rapson, Vinny Golia, Jack Walraith, Gerry Hemingway, and Rory Stuart among many others. The trombonist has also performed on soundtracks for a variety of television and film projects including the critically acclaimed TIN PAN ALLEY with Ian Whitcomb and John Cassavete's THE TEMPEST,
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Vlatkovich began studying music with the school band in the 3rd grade. He distinguished himself in high school and was awarded a music scholarship to attend the St. Louis Institute of Music. Prior to his education at the Institute, Vlatkovich took part in an intensive month long workshop with internationally acclaimed arranger Oliver Nelson and guest soloists Thad Jones, Ron Carter, Mel Lewis and Rolland Hanna. Among his fellow students at this memorable seminar were Oliver Lake, Joe Bowie, Hamiett Bluett and Julius Hemphill. Further musical education included studies at North Texas State, with Bernard Schneider, principal trombonist for the SI. Louis Symphony, and privately with such Los Angeles notables as trombonist Dick Nash and composer/arranger Albert Harris.
In 1981, the composer formed THANKYOU RECORDS and has released fourteen albums to critical acclaim. THANKYOU RECORDS are available at:
http://www.thankyourecords.com/
They are also distributed by North Country Distributors, Cadence Building, Redwood, New York 13679-9612 and are available at finer record stores across the USA. Michael has also released many recordings through other labels available at:
http://www.liraproductions.com
And at:
http://michaelvlatkovich.wordpress.com//
His records have received critical acclaim in many music publications and periodicals throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. In fact, many of the records have been picked by critics for their "ten best" lists. Also, a live radio performance on KCRW, Los Angeles was picked by the LA Reader as one of the highlights of 1987. A portion of this broadcast is planned for future release along with many other projects in progress such as "Transvalue" and a recently formed group "Michael Vlatkovich Sextet".