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’.