Houston guitar giant Michael Wheeler has signed to do a CD project for Blue Bamboo Music in the next few weeks. Personnel to be determined.
Mike studied in San Antonio with jazz guitarist Jackie King before going to the Berklee college of music in Boston. He later received a Bachelor of Music from the University of St. Thomas.
After returning to the Houston area, Mike has worked in clubs, formed jazz groups, played with most of the major orchestras and performance groups in Houston including the Houston Symphony Orchestra and Theater Under the Stars.
Broadway show credits include “Showboat”, “Chicago”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Fosse” and The Who’s “Tommy”.
He has performed with jazz artists such as Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Bill Watrous, Tom Harrell and Arnett Cobb. He has also backed pop artists such as Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, Andy Williams, Larry Gatlin, Robert Goulet, Engelbert Humperdink, Bob Hope and John Denver.
In the Fall of 2000 he recorded and arranged a CD of popular standards with Merle Haggard. His first CD, entitled "Indian Summer", (which was produced by Willie Nelson) and his new CD "The Mike Wheeler Trio" spotlight his guitar style. He is currently instructor of guitar at the University of Houston, University of St. Thomas and San Jacinto College.
Woody Witt Wraps CD Project
Saxophonist Woody Witt has wrapped his trio project at Blue Bamboo Music studios.
The project features Ed Soph on drums and Fred Hamilton on both guitar and bass. (no overdubs)
The project also features Woody Witt originals carefully selected for this grouping. The disc will be unusual in that the trio performs without bass, or without guitar, depending on the tune. The resulting space is almost a character itself. Rather than feeling empty, the grouping seems to highlight these compositions.
The disc is still to be mixed, Mastered, etc...
Blue Bamboo Music Studios Upgrades
The Texas based recording studio is investing in several significant upgrades. Label founder and studio owner/operator Chris Cortez recently purchased several key pieces for the studio including 8 additional channels of Focusrite class A mic pres (16 total), 2 Lexicon reverb units, Neuman K184 mic for acoustic guitar, and a portable unit featuring an RME FireFace800 interface, Macbook, and assorted drives and goodies.
The new gear represents a breakthrough for the studio, who will now begin to do all their recording at 96k resolution. In addition, the studio will now be able to remotely record live events.
The first live, off site session is planned featuring Woody Witt on tour with legendary jazz drummer Billy Hart in September.
The upgraded signal path will present all the new music recorded with stunning depth of field, and clarity.
Summer Releases on Blue Bamboo Music
Woody Witt's "A Conversation" (BBM009) and Mike Wheeler's "Mikey's Waltz" (BBM010) are currently shipping and burning up the airwaves. Early reviews are excellent for both releases.
Witt's CD "A Conversation" BBM009 features guitarist/bassist Fred Hamilton and drummer Ed Soph in a modern improvisational setting. 8 of Woody's originals provide the canvas for these masters of improv. The disc is due out in May of 2008.
Guitarist Mike Wheeler has turned in a fine quartet record which features Pamela York (piano), David Craig (bass), and Tim Solook (drums). Mikey's Waltz (BBM010) is a swinging straight ahead affair which features 6 originals and several standards. Mikey's Waltz is due out this June.
Set for August Release
Pianist Joe LoCascio's "Ghosts" (BBM011) is his first solo piano recording in many years. The legendary pianist focuses on 13 original compositions, revealing an intimate emotional experience. "Ghosts" is set for release in August.
Upcoming projects include "Bamboo Philharmonic" which will feature the work of composer/woodwind player Mark Piszczek. A Brazilian sextet record with NY bassist Harvie S. Latin jazz guitarist Mark Towns is planning a record, as is Norwegian guitarist Asle Roe. Another Woody Witt CD has also been recorded with French pianist Franck Amsallem.
