Michael is a native of San Antonio,
TX. He began playing music at a very early age, starting with piano playing,
and attending band practice with his mother Carol Ward who is a Jazz
vocalist. His fondest memories are listening to Clifford Scott "Honky Tonk"
on sax and Frank Garrett on organ, and hearing his mom sing all those great
jazz standards. As a member of a family in which everybody sang, he enjoyed
every minute of it, and wondered why his friends did not like this type of
music.
After entering the sixth grade, Michael enrolled in a string class to learn
how to play piano and read music. Once enrolled, he learned that no piano
lessons were offered and he must pick a stringed instrument. Michael resorted
to use the faithful American process of elimination - inni, minni, monnie,
moe - to choose his instrument, and ended up with the violin. Throughout his
junior high and high school years he tried many other instruments, but always
went back tot he violin.
Upon entering Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, Michael decided to
become a jazz guitarist because he saw no financial future with the violin.
After one week in college his roommate asked if he had ever heard Noel
Pointer or Jean luc Ponte. He had not, so his roommate handed him a tape,
told him to check it out, and exited the room. After listening to the tapes,
he knew immediately this was what he wanted to do. Once again he ended up
with his violin.
While studying in college with Mr. Alvin Batiste, Michael Joined a group
called the 4am band and started working around town, mostly for fun and
experience. After he left the group, he started his own band and began
working in New Orleans. The fans who followed him for years found him working
at Pampy's, a small neighborhood bar where his band performed every Sunday,
backing jazz singer Ed Perkins. He always felt as if the entire city of New
Orleans was there.
Through many years of hard work, Michael has toured many foreign countries
and all over the U.S. He has worked with many well-known musicians and played
many of the worlds finest venues. His music has touched the hearts of many
and has gained him the respect of his peers around the world. His fans grow
in numbers after each of his performances, as does his love for his Violin
and music, and his gratitude for the gifts that life has brought him.