Michael Fortunato

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I was born in Torrance, California and I am currently living in Thousand Oaks. I have also lived in the San Fernando Valley, Indiana, and New Hampshire. I am a musician, focusing mainly on jazz trumpet, but also dabbling into rock guitar, piano, and composing. I recieved my Bachelor of Music in Composition from Indiana University and I have since been doing freelance work, including resorts (The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel), the cruise ship industry (Celebrity Cruise Lines) and I am currently working as a performer in Los Angeles. I also have a wonderful Canadian girlfriend Paula whom I met on the ship, and a great six year old brother (mini-me) Alex. Currently I reside in Thousand Oaks California, where I also work as a private music instuctor, focusing mainly on trumpet but I do have a few guitar, piano, and I even have a theory student. I am a member of several LA based bands including Nutty, which takes material from the classic rock era and blends them with jazz standards presented in a jazz format. If you want to check us out go to nuttyjazz.com or click on the Nutty Link in my top friends. I also have a Jazz Sextet currently known as the Dubin Collective and we perform alot of our own original music. It's a really great lineup with Michael Dubin on Drums, DJ Bonebrake on Vibes, Evan Calbi on bass and Shea Welsh on Guitar, Angel Lebron, Congas and myself on Trumpet and Flugelhorn. You can check out my group playing at Dubes on the Dubes my space page on my top 8. You can hear some of my compositions and some of my playing here. I also play with Angel Lebron y Sabor Latino, a great new Salsa Band featuring the East Coast sound of the 70's (eddie palmieri etc.). It's really slick stuff and I've done a great deal of the arranging. I'm also involved with some great groups through Brass Bell entertainment including Phazze One which has an awesome selection of classic and contemporary R&B. I've studied with a number amazing trumpeters who I am greatly indebted to including Marie Speziale, Charles Duval, John Rommel, Ed Cord, Joey Tartell, Charlie Davis, Pat Harbison and Bobby Shew. I'm currently applying to schools for a master's in jazz studies. I presently study with one of the greatest jazz trumpet Players in the country, Howie Schear