Michael Morera

Michael began playing saxophone at age 14 and soon became a working musician in clubs and studios throughout the Los Angeles area. He was mentored by recording artist John Klemmer and studied with studio musicians including Herb Mickman and Bill Greene, as well as orchestration with Dr. Albert Harris, known for his work with Barbra Streisand and Universal Studios.

A dedicated musician from an early age, Michael often practiced six to eight hours a day. His interest in Indian rhythm began in the 1970s while playing with the Don Ellis Orchestra and continued through his work with Turbulance, where original compositions explored odd meters such as 7/8, 9/8, and 11/16. His love for Indian music grew through the influence of Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea.

Michael is excited to reengage with the influences of Indian music as a source of inspiration to his playing!

Workshop Title Indian melodic concepts for saxophone improvisation

The workshop will have goal of how to incorporate Indian music on the saxophone to expand improvisation vocabulary. The workshop will cover basic Indian music grammar and what challenges might be encountered on western instruments. Michael will attempt to show how Indian melodic systems offer expanded vocabulary for the saxophone as a way of shaping phrases and emotional intention in improvisation.

A gradual build of complexity Culminating with a performance of a soulful Sufi melody.