Michael Vince

Currently making a big splash as a performer, writer and producer is guitarist and keyboard player Michael Vince. I was recently introduced to his brand new five track self titled EP by none other than Fusion Flavours own Steve Quirk and since then its rapidly become a Smooth Jazz Therapy favourite. The material for the EP has already attracted the attention of smooth jazz production genius Paul Brown who has produced two of the tracks. The result is an appealing blend of jazz, funk and soul that is centred on Vince’s cool electric and nylon string acoustic guitars. Not only that, it has the thread of quality running right through it.

Michael Vince is now based in Florida but, in the mid to late 90’s, he enjoyed a successful stint as a writer and performer with the Texas-based jazz/fusion group, 12:30pm Band. During that time Vince and the band received favorable reviews in and around northern Texas and southern Oklahoma while picking up radio airplay throughout the Midwest, New York and in Philadelphia. Since that time Michael has toured and performed live with a variety of pop/rock, soul and jazz bands but now, with his debut release and his collaboration with Paul Brown, everything is set to change.

The EP breaks down nicely into two distinct categories. The opening three tracks are written, performed, arranged and produced by Vince and the first of these, ‘Back In The Day’ has a compelling mid tempo groove that instantly demonstrates Vince knows smooth jazz. ‘Serenade’ is mellow and laid back yet as tight as can tight can be while the uplifting ‘A Love Like This’ is quicker in tempo, has a delicious feel good vibe and fizzes with the injection of a hot electric guitar break. For the EP’s final two cuts Vince remains as writer, performer and arranger but hands the production reins to Brown who spreads his magic all over them. ‘After Hours’ has solid bass from Roberto Vally, back up guitar from Brown and an overall quality that is nothing short of hypnotic. ‘Slow And Easy’ shimmers with the aura that is a hallmark of Brown’s production. Featuring moody sax from Anthony Long and a languid beat that’s right in the pocket it could well be one of the best contemporary jazz tracks of 2006.

In support of his new release, Michael Vince is currently gearing up for a series of live performances throughout the USA and abroad. In addition he has recently contributed a tune to Paul Brown's third and up-coming album release due out in 2007. Michael writes and arranges the number and also performs the drum programming and keyboards for the track.

For more on Michael Vince go to www.michaelvince.com