Michael Weiss

Post-bop/hard bop instrumentalist Michael Weiss has been quoted as saying that he hopes to bring to jazz "a greater integration of composition and improvisation rather than the old head/solos/head format"--and, to be sure, his ?90s and 2000s albums have often reflected that compositional outlook. Although Weiss' releases have had a lot of improvisation, he has put a great deal of effort into writing and has aimed to make his albums more than simply "blowing dates"; Weiss sees himself as a composer/bandleader/arranger as well as a soloist. The jazzman, who plays both acoustic piano and electric keyboards, brings a variety of pianistic influences to the table; Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Barron, Cedar Walton and Chick Corea are among the pianists who reviewers have cited as influences on Weiss' playing.

Read More