Grounded in jazz, Latin jazz, and salsa, Mike offers a unique group sound through his music, playing, and instrumentation.

The vibesman behind many notable musicians and groups, Mike Freeman brews up a heady blend of musical elements. Richly melodic and rhythmically intense, this fiery mix fuels spirited interplay among the groupʼs top-notch musicians. From North America and Europe, to

the Azores, Caribbean, and South America, his music ignites audiences at festivals, concert halls, colleges and clubs. Strong writing skills, a thoroughly developed jazz background, and a dynamic performing style underscore Mikeʼs performances.

High-profile shows for Mike as a leader include the Trinidad & Tobago Steelpan & Jazz Festival; Festival Internacional (Terciera, Azores); Central Parkʼs Harlem Meer concert series in New York City; and First Night celebrations. Other past performance highlights and endeavors include producing Band Together, a Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert for Tipitinas Foundation benefiting New Orleans–area musicians and the Humane Society; performing for Flood Relief in Des Moines, Iowa; Joslyn Art Museumʼs Jazz on the Green in Omaha, NE; Berks, Rehoboth Beach, Hennessy Greenwich Village, and JVC Newport (at Saratoga) jazz festivals as well as an extensive tour of Portugal, cosponsored by the Fulbright Foundation and the American Embassy.

His recordings of original music (ranging from jazz, Latinjazz, salsa,

Brazilian, fusion, and R&B) have gained national and international attention along with extensive radio airplay charting on jazz, contemporary jazz, and World music radio. Mike Freeman & Spellbound's

1985 self-titled debut recording was followed by the success of Street Shuffle. His next recording Wiggle Stomp reflects a deeper immersion into the Latin music scene that, for him, began in the mid-1990s. On In the Zone, Mike displays his knowledge of bringing salsa forms into a jazz context. The Vibesman 2012, takes that exploration further, adding saxophone and flute to the group, with a set of music that has captured the attention of many.

ZonaVibe is “...an intoxicating Latin Jazz gem”

—Latin Jazz Corner

Freelance musician and band leader in New York City since 1981

RECORDINGS AS LEADER:

Mike Freeman ZonaVibe - The Vibesman (VOF recordings, 2012) 10 weeks Jazzweek chart; Roots Music chart #9; International airplay; Pre-nomination round Grammy Awards

Mike Freeman ZonaVibe - In The Zone (VOF recordings) Jazzweek World Music chart 16 weeks; nationally syndicated Jazz After Hours and cable-Music Choice; International airplay

Mike Freeman - Wiggle Stomp (VOF recordings)

Gavin Jazz chart; nationally syndicated Jazz After Hours; Heard on the “Joey Reynolds Show,” WOR-AM radio network

Mike Freeman & Spellbound® - Street Shuffle (Best Recordings) Major U.S. distribution; Gavin Jazz & Adult Alternative Chart; Radio & Records Chart;

MAC Report; nationally syndicated David Sanborn radio show; United Airlines in-flight playlist

Mike Freeman & Spellbound, debut recording

Concerts as leader include

‣ Trinidad & Tobago Steelpan & Jazz Festival

‣ Festival Internacional, Terceira, Azores

‣ First Night Celebrations (numerous)

‣ IAJE International Convention, Atlanta

‣ Rehoboth Beach, DE, Jazz Festival

‣ Berks Jazz Festival

‣ JVC Newport Jazz Festival

‣ Hennessy Greenwich Village Jazz Festival

‣ NJ State Aquarium’s Jazzin’ the Deep Festival

‣ Penn Sate University tour

‣ Toured Portugal on grants from the Fulbright

Foundation and the American Embassy

Mike Freeman ZonaVibe

ARTIST CONTACT: MIKE FREEMAN & ANNE HAAS (212) 736-3961

WWW.JAZZVIBE.COM MIKE@JAZZVIBE.COM ANNE@JAZZVIBE.COM

Description

Mike Freeman ZonaVibe

Musician ✴ Composer ✴ Bandleader ✴ Recording Artist ✴ Arranger ✴ Educator ✴ Producer

Band Interests

Working