Description
Michael Hudson-Casanova is a saxophonist, composer, and educator who has made his creative home in Chicago after discovering a love for music in his home state of Michigan. He has released two albums as a leader, "Echoes of Thought" and "Animus," both which have received critical acclaim from publications like All About Jazz and Jazz Trail. He has appeared at venues across the midwest such as Fulton Street Collective, Merriman's Playhouse, Cliff Bell's, and many more. Hudson-Casanova has been described as "a mature composer, a democratic bandleader... as well as an innovative improviser" by Chicago writer Hrayr Attarian. He is currently working in Chicago as a freelance musician and teaching artist.
Work Sample
This is my trio performing "500 Miles High" by Chick Corea in October of 2020. The concert was outdoors and socially distanced duo to COVID-19, and it took place at a private residence in Philadelphia, PA.
This is an original piece entitled "Aftermath" from my second album, "Animus." The album received support from a grant by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and from Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
I shared two work samples that I believe cover the variety of music that I make. The live performance of a jazz standard is something that I do often in clubs and other performance spaces. The studio recording of my own composition is something that I am aiming to do more often as I advance in my career.
History
I am a saxophonist and improviser with over 15 years of performance experience in a variety of musical settings. I have performed in small and large jazz ensembles, classical ensembles, chamber groups, theatre orchestras, and cover bands on all of my instruments (saxophones, clarinets, and flutes). My primary focus for the past five years has been recording and performing my original music. Since moving to Chicago, I have done this at venues like Fulton Street Collective, Cafe Mustache, Elastic Arts, Hungry Brain, and nearby midwest venues like Merriman's Playhouse and Cafe CODA.
Artistic Vision
As an improviser, I aim to discover new sonic territory each time I perform one of my own compositions or a piece of standard jazz repertoire. My passion is creating with other musicians in the moment, so my work is largely dependent on relationships with other players. I believe music is for everyone, but I also believe an honest artist will challenge their audience. I want people to enjoy my music, but I also want to make them think and open their mind to new ideas. I want to explore new things with my audience and my bandmates each time I perform.
Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise
I would not say that I have programs for specific audiences, but as a music educator as well as a performer, I would be happy to develop a program for younger musicians that can help them understand jazz. Teaching jazz and improvisation is something that I am passionate about, and something I do for Ravinia Music Festival's "Reach, Teach, Play" program on a regular basis.
Name
Michael Hudson-Casanova
Type
Individual Artist
Address
PO Box 18051
Chicago, IL 60618
Contact Person
Michael Hudson-Casanova
[email protected]
586.665.0520
Web Site
Artistic Discipline(s)
Music
- Jazz
Geographic Availability
Central Illinois
Chicago/Chicagoland
Northern Illinois
Southern Illinois
Western Illinois
Fee Ranges
$200-$1000
Additional Services
Demonstrations
Lectures
Master classes
Residencies
Teacher Development
Workshops
Additional Populations
Visual Impairments