Jonathan Michel

Introduced to music by his father, Joseph Michel, at the age of 4, Jon played guitar, piano, trumpet, and trombone throughout his formative years before he began settling on the electric bass at age 9.As sophomore in high school Jon first came in contact and fell in love with jazz. With great bassists such as Dave Santoro, John Benitez, Nat Reeves and Mario Pavone serving as his mentors, Jon developed his sound on the bass and an understanding of the history,theory and application of this great music As a student at Central Connecticut State University, Jonathan studied classical bass method with Volkhon Orhon and Roy Wiseman.In September of 2005 Jon moved from his native Connecticut to Philadelphia, PA. Since moving to Philadelphia, Jon has been afforded many opportunities working as a freelance bassist; sharing the stage with Billy Paul, Boostie Barnes, Mickey Roker, Orrin Evans and Tim Warfield as well as performing in jazz clubs, local jazz festivals and major events in the area. In addition to his freelance performance and studio work, Jon is involved in many long and short term projects, including JAKS R Wild, which he is a founding member.