“…large sound and free flowing style…”

Downbeat Magazine 2022

Baltimore-native Derrick Michaels is a tenor saxophonist and improviser with a deep sound and a bold, imaginative presence in the creative music community.

With roots in both the lyrical and exploratory branches of the creative saxophone tradition, his wide expressive palette brings a soulful, melodic sincerity to a wide range of musical environments. 

He has been described by Jazz Weekly as a “thick-toned tenorist”, and by Downbeat magazine as wielding a “large sound and free flowing style”. The Baltimore Jazz Alliance says: “Derrick Michaels' saxophone playing comes right out of his soul; the instrument sounds like a human voice.”

Over the years, many important musical relationships have developed with the likes of Ellery Eskelin, Susan Alcorn, Michael Formanek, Dave Ballou, John Dierker, Tony Martucci, Eric Kennedy, Zach Swanson, Mike Kuhl, Alex Weber, Savino Palumbo, Daniel A. Ryan, Jon Seligman, Theljon Allen, Jeff Reed, Phil Cunneff, Ben Frock, Chris Pumphrey, John Lee, and a growing list of respected names within the broader community.

TEACHING

-Jazz/classical saxophone instructor at Baltimore School for the Arts

-Applied jazz saxophone, applied jazz composition Towson University

-Clinician & Private Teacher

Visit the Teaching Page for In-Depth Information

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