Episode #110 - Mike Price

<div class="page" title="Page 2"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p>Mike Price is a professional trumpet player, formerly living in Tokyo, Japan. He composes and performs with the Mike Price Jazz Quintet or Orchestra. Originally from Chicago Illinois, he was a student of Vincent Cichowicz (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) while getting a degree from Northwestern University. Following 3 more years studying jazz composition at Berklee School of Music , he toured with the Stan Kenton Orchestra followed by touring with Buddy Rich. Mike played 1st trumpet for both bands. (1967- 1970)</p> <p>Back in Los Angeles in 1972 Mike was an original member of the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, touring Japan many times before moving to Tokyo in 1989 for an NEA/U.S.- Japan Friendship Commission Artist exchange program grant. After conclusion of the grant period, he joined the Sharps & Flats Orchestra led by Nobuo Hara, staying with this band until the leader’s retirement. During this time, Mike formed a jazz quintet in 1993 and a big band in 1999, both becoming active participants in the Tokyo jazz scene. The big band had its first concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s birth with a rare performance of the “Such Sweet Thunder Suite,” alternatively known as the “Shakespearian Suite.” The orchestra’s activities continued with new projects such as the Miles Davis/Gil Evans “Miles Ahead,” “Porgy & Bess Suite,” “Tribute to Frank Sinatra,” “Tribute to Buddy Rich,” Ellington’s “Far East Suite,” “ A Tribute to Gerald Wilson,” with whom Mike worked in Los Angeles before going to Japan.</p> <p>During the early 2000’s, Mike was introduced to Detroit jazz singer, Harvey Thompson, with whom a collaboration began. Many performances followed with Harvey being featured with both Mike’s quintet and big band.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="page" title="Page 3"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p>In 2011 Mike recorded a CD with his Tok