Cleveland-born, New-York-area based tenor man Mike Lee has toured in bands such as The Woody Herman Thundering Herd, The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Joe Lovano, TS Monk and many others.
As a clinician for Conn-Selmer Mike Lee presents jazz improvisation workshops for music students of all levels. These sessions range from discussions of principle elements in improvisation and improvisation education to fine nuances of rhythm and interaction among musicians. The major elements of jazz are presented with a special emphasis on two often overlooked aspects of jazz style: blues and ballads. Within these two styles lie the foundation for all jazz playing and the keys to unlocking a student's individual voice.
What people have said of Mike Lee:
"Mike Lee is a very gifted and exciting young saxophonist who has the future in his sound."
- Joe Lovano, Blue Note Recording Artist
"An inventive improviser, ideas flow from [Lee's] horn in great profusion."
- Harvey Pekar, JazzTimes (March 2001) - Review of My Backyard (Omnitone)
"Bill Holmans's arrangement of "Too Close for Comfort" afforded (Mike) Lee the space to show his mastery of technique and umimpeded flow of ideas. His control of the altissimo register permits his carrying a full, clear tone to the uppermost reaches, feeding each climax and contrasting with the flurries of notes he spits out in the middle range."
- Eric Erickson - Northeast Wisconsin Music Review - August 1, 2005 Review of Birch Creek Academy Band - Birch Creek Performance Center, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
