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Michael Santanastasio

About Me


Michael Santanastasio - biography

an Italian American drummer known for his deft, mellifluous style, began playing the drums in his native Naples, Italy before moving to the U.S. in 1988 to study with the late great Alan Dawson. In 1996 he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from City University of New York under the direction of Ron Carter and in February 2000 he earned a Master’s in Music Performance from Queen’s College in New York under the direction of Jimmy Heath and Sir Roland Hanna. He was awarded numerous honors at both schools.
While in New York, Michael began working as both a leader and a sideman in numerous jazz ensembles, performing regularly with groups led by George Anders, John Benitez, Bobby Porcelli, Jimmy “Preacher” Robbins, Russell Malone, Ray Schinnery and Kent Glenn. He also played occasionally with Bobby Watson, Etta James, and Jimmy Heath.
Based in Montpellier, France since 2003, Michael performs regularly throughout Europe at festivals, jazz clubs and cultural events with both American and Europe-based musicians, including Billy Pierce, Sandy Patton, Reggie Johnson, Valery Ponomarev, Alain Musichini, Hervé Meschinet, Norbert Grisot, Philippe Rénault, Michel Barrot and the vocal group Doodlin’.

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Music:

Member Since: 10/22/2006
Band Website: michaelsantanastasio.com
Record Label: unsigned
Type of Label: None