The three had met in numerous, often random musical situations – at Haitian gigs, playing acoustic Mexican music and of course, jam sessions – but it wasn’t until Michael brought the trio together in early 2011 for a weekly residency at a low-key upper west side joint that he recognized their rare chemistry. Playing an oddly shaped room in an acoustic setting served them in developing a dynamic interplay.
While each member is a tasteful improviser, together they found a unique balance through their use of space. Their interaction is conversational and supportive, always fresh and spiced with elements of surprise and occasionally even humor. A true sense of trust has grown between them continuing to empower their risk-taking creativity.
Over the years the MVT has adopted a long list of standards, often favoring the tunes less traveled and always in search of new and fresh approaches – using unexpected tempi or odd meters.
Their recent release En Route is a collaborative effort, featuring a mix of inspired originals and standards, as well as an intimate rendition of Scatterbrain by Radio Head.
A native of Zurich, Switzerland, Michael Vitali hit the New York music scene in 2002, shortly after graduating from Berklee College of Music. Though he arrived with little more than a change of clothes, a drum set and a voracious appetite for music, Michael immediately impressed his audiences and peers with his innate sensitivity and dynamism.
The appropriately named Vitali maintains an astonishing performance schedule, with appearances in New York’s most popular venues, such as Fat Cat, Smoke, Cleopatra’s Needle and The Metropolitan Room, to name a few. Michael has toured throughout the US and Europe, he has recorded on several albums and performed live on WKCR.
Steeped in jazz tradition, Michael is also known for his versatility. He is continuously exploring the breadth of musical offerings and showing off the distinct colors of his palette in many corners of the city. Michael has made his mark in the Haitian music community, recording and performing with Monvelyno Alexis and Buyu Ambroise. He has collaborated with Irka Mateo of the Dominican Republic, toured with Madagascar’s B-Tropical and performed in New York City’s foremost World Music venues such as SOBs and La Caye. Michael is also active on the rock scene. He has played at The Bitter End and the late CBGBs with Irish singer/songwriter Scott Maher and toured the east coast with Squeeze Rock, an accordion driven hip-hop/rock band.
In addition to leading his own groups, Michael has worked with Lionel Loueke, Ed Cherry, Eve Cornelious, Rick Margitza, Sebastian Noelle and many other jazz greats.
Among Michael’s current projects is the Michael Vitali Trio, which recently released their debut album En Route featuring Yuka Tadano on bass and Justin Wert on guitar.
The trio has a 2015 European tour in the works.
Michael performs regularly with Yaniv Taubenhaus and The Stan Killian Trio. He is host of the weekly Cortelyou Jazz Jam Session at Bar Chord in Brooklyn.
Throughout his career Michael has been a dedicated teacher. He currently works with the Harrison School of Music, the New City School of music and is available for private lessons.
The Michael Vitali website can be seen here