Michael Cooke is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and composer, seamlessly blending the worlds of jazz and classical music. A two Emmy Awards and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, Cooke’s versatility shines through in his mastery of soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, flute, soprano and bass clarinets, bassoon, and percussion. A cum laude graduate in composition from the University of North Texas, his academic pursuits encompassed jazz, ethnomusicology, music history, theory, and composition.
Beginning his professional orchestral career in 1991, Michael performed with numerous symphonies across North Texas. His talent has taken him to stages in Europe, Mexico, and all over the United States. Since 1994, Cimarron Music Press has been publishing many of his compositions, reflecting his diverse musical influences and skills.
After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Michael continued to forge new paths in both improvised and composed music. His work is a reflection of a rich multicultural experience, blending various styles and techniques. In 1999, he founded Black Hat Records, a jazz label that further showcases his commitment to musical exploration. Currently serving on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra, Cooke continues to influence the music scene with his innovative contributions.
Described by the San Francisco Beacon as an artist who flows “out color and tone with a feeling I haven’t heard in quite a while,” Michael’s unique sound sets him apart in the music world. The All Music Guide praises his work as “uncompromising, fiery, complex, passionate, and cathartic,” particularly noting his performances on Searching by Cooke Quartet, Statements by Michael Cooke, and The Is by CKW Trio.
His latest release, An Indefinite Suspension of The Possible, showcases an unusual yet compelling mix of woodwinds, trombone, cello, koto, and percussion. This album captures the essence of his innovative spirit, creating a synergy in improvised music that taps into previously unexplored realms. Michael Cooke stands out as a significant figure in contemporary music, constantly pushing the boundaries of jazz and classical genres through his inventive compositions and exhilarating performances.
Follow Michael Cooke at his website, Threads, Facebook, check out his new YouTube channel, or read about the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.
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I help people to lean into their creative careers and start or grow their income streams. You can read more or hop onto a short discovery call from my website.
I'm your host, Jennet Ingle. I love you all. Stay safe out there!
What I learned on my summer vacation... about hiking up a mountain, playing the oboe, and crafting my career! Perhaps you too will enjoy this minisode about choosing your own path.
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Thanks for joining me on Crushing Classical!
Theme music by DreamVance.
You can join my email list HERE, so you never miss an episode!
I help people to lean into their creative careers and start or grow their income streams. You can read more or hop onto a short discovery call from my website.
I'm your host, Jennet Ingle. I love you all. Stay safe out there!
Stepping into today’s conversation with Chad Lawson, I had a loose idea of what we’d be talking about, but the actual conversation was surprising - genuine, soulful, and simultaneously grounded in the practicality of making money as a performer and recording artist. We explored the tension between what you COULD do, and what you maybe WANT to do, and what your audience loves you for. Where is the line, for an artist, between being of service, creating works for a specific audience, and being an innovator seeking artistically fulfillment? It’s such a important question, one I’ve wrestled with as well, one that Seth Godin writes on over and over - and this conversation was a joy the whole way through.
World-renowned pianist Chad Lawson is known for exploring the intersection between music and wellness with chart-topping contemporary classical releases (over 1B streams to date), and his iHeart Radio Award-nominated podcast Calm It Down (over 5M downloads to date), which explores mental health topics and meditation techniques soundtracked by Chad’s music. He is also a certified breathing expert.
New album, 'Where We Are', out on July 19 via Decca Records US, a collection of original solo piano works inspired by messages from his fans about how his music has affected their lives. Chad has become one of the most streamed classical artists today (700M streams on his last two albums alone), not just on the merit of his music, but by intersecting his music with his wellness and breathwork expertise, with the overall goal of healing people and helping them through difficult and stressful times.
You can find and follow Chad at his website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The book he references: Make Art, Make Money, by Elizabeth Hyde Stevens
Thanks for joining me on Crushing Classical!
Theme music and audio editing by DreamVance.
You can join my email list HERE, so you never miss an episode!
I help people to lean into their creative careers and start or grow their income streams. You can read more or hop onto a short discovery call from my website.
I'm your host, Jennet Ingle. I love you all. Stay safe out there!
In today's minisode I discuss my FLOW program. This might be interesting:
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I would love to talk with you! This month, my calendar is especially open for adult oboists seeking support and community. (I have at this moment exactly one slot left in FLOW.)
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I'm your host, Jennet Ingle. I love you all. Stay safe out there!