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If you’re in Marin County CA & have a nice piano, we’re looking for YOU!
Posted by on May 23, 2012
Looking to my internet friends in Marin County CA to host an unforgettable House Concert July 3rd. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Stavinsky’s premier of Rite of Spring, my east coast friend and pianist extraordinaire +Neil Alexander will be touring this summer with is jaw-dropping solo piano transcription of the piece. The concert will include Neil, Santa Cruz bassist Steve Uccello and… (read more)
My Google+ Guitarist’s Roundtable Music Education Hangout
Posted by on April 27, 2012
Yesterday I hosted a Google+ Hangout On Air (A hangout that streams LIVE to both G+ and Youtube) with an amazing panel of guests. Our aim was to connect players and exchange tips, techniques and musical concepts. Players of all skill levels and styles were invited to share and learn. My guests included Googlers Andy Bohm and Zach Cowan, the Traveling Guitar Foundation‘s founder (and touring guitarist… (read more)
Two musos whisper across ‘The Pond’
Posted by on April 24, 2012
Connecting with artists that I would not have otherwise met: This is one of my primary motivations for participating in the ‘Social Media’ space (do we still call it that?) Yukie Smith and I have known one another for a few years and our shared musical journey continues in this, our second long-distance musical collab. Yukie’s piece really invites an intimate dialog that can take place between… (read more)
Live Atmos Trio Concert Footage
Posted by on April 20, 2012
My good friend Ariane Cap taped this footage at our concert last Friday at the Empress Theatre. What a beautiful room. My guys are pretty flippin’ burnin’ huh? (read more)
Atmos Trio’s “Forgotten Songs” is available TODAY!
Posted by on April 10, 2012
Our new album “Forgotten Songs” is available TODAY to download/ stream/ share/ enjoy. I hope you enjoy this offering and will share this with someone you think will appreciate it. It’s only thru your gifting this music to someone that they will likely hear of it. Hope you dig it…   (read more)
Brand New Music debut from Rob Michael & The Atmos Trio “Forgotten Songs.”
Posted by on April 6, 2012
We’re all busy working pro musicians which means that we often play on other people’s projects in effort to help them realize their musical vision…not our own. That’s why we used to get together every single Monday morning in my studio: to play exactly the music that we wanted. Atmos Trio is about high-level Creative Improvisational Music. Hypothetical Premise is a totally improvised… (read more)
New Album PREVIEW by the Atmos Trio “Forgotten Songs”
Posted by on April 4, 2012
When the Atmos Trio first started playing together in 2004, my drummer Joe Shotwell and bass player Jeff Obee had a habit of playing every Monday morning in my studio. It was always easy enough to press ‘RECORD’ so we did, often without listening back to what we’d recorded. Such was the case with the music on “Forgotten Songs.” Years after being recorded, the tracks were rediscovered (while… (read more)
The Jazz+Visual Art Youtube Mashup
Posted by on March 28, 2012
Whenever I’m searching for music, whether for research or teaching, Youtube is where I go. I decided that should someone want to find my music, I would like them to be able to find it. I see plenty of musicians post videos that consist of audio with a static image, maybe an album cover or something else… I wanted to do something more visually interesting. I posted “Waiting” from the first… (read more)
Some call helping yourself to FREE music stealing. I call it sharing & I encourage it.
Posted by on March 2, 2012
Some call helping yourself to FREE music stealing… I don’t. I call it sharing and I encourage it. Everything at my Global Music Store is available to share and hear completely free. If you want to perpetuate more art, great. I’m prepared to accept your payment, but I don’t expect it. If I had to choose (which we don’t–but if we did…) I would prefer that you share my music rather than… (read more)
One More Reason to Love Your Job.
Posted by on February 24, 2012
I love my job for many reasons, but among the top are that each day is totally different. There is no ‘grind’ to it. You arrive and go with the vibe and produce instant magic. Easy right? Here’s a little peak a my newest composition that I wrote just now which makes its debut at tonight’s gig. I’ll title it later. I surround myself with musicians of super-human ability and they’ll read… (read more)
Workflow Tutorial for the Collaborative Internet Musician
Posted by on February 21, 2012
Welcome to the tutorial. For those of you that are collab-curious, I’m going to share with you some tips that I’ve found useful in the numerous remote (virtual some call them) recording sessions that I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in. The screen grabs seen here are from a project that I recently completed using Ableton Live (You can hear the finished tracks at the end of the post)… (read more)
Creative Commons Brings Content Creators Together: Music + Photos = Video
Posted by on February 13, 2012
Photo by Trey Ratcliff http://www.stuckincustoms.com/ At first, all I wanted to do place some studio tracks from my albums on Youtube. When I’m looking for music that I dont already own, be it for a student or whatever, Youtube is where I go.  Should someone else use a similar technique, I want my tunes to be there too. While you can find me in all the usual places online, my social network of… (read more)
Creative Commons Brings Content Creators Together: Music + Photos = Video
Posted by on February 13, 2012
Photo by Trey Ratcliff http://www.stuckincustoms.com/ At first, all I wanted to do place some studio tracks from my albums on Youtube. When I’m looking for music that I dont already own, be it for a student or whatever, Youtube is where I go.  Should someone else use a similar technique, I want my tunes to be there too. While you can find me in all the usual places online, my social network of… (read more)
A Call to Photographers Across the Interwebs. Allow Me Feature Your CC-licensed Images w/ My Music
Posted by on February 9, 2012
I am making a new video for an original music composition and would like to feature images from photographers who license their photos under Creative Commons. I’m interested to see your work that you feel evokes a mood that might compliment this musical offering. I originally wrote this piece, Waiting in homage to musical a hero of mine: Tom Waits. I’m looking for photos that reflect the introspective… (read more)
A Call to Photographers Across the Interwebs. Allow Me Feature Your CC-licensed Images w/ My Music
Posted by on February 9, 2012
I am making a new video for an original music composition and would like to feature images from photographers who license their photos under Creative Commons. I’m interested to see your work that you feel evokes a mood that might compliment this musical offering. I originally wrote this piece, Waiting in homage to musical a hero of mine: Tom Waits. I’m looking for photos that reflect the introspective… (read more)
Guitar Player Magazine features ‘That jazz guy on the internet’
Posted by on February 8, 2012
As a kid, I used to pour over every issue of Guitar Player Magazine. I was starving for information about guitars, music, gear. I remember the first issue I ever bought: It featured Nancy Wilson of Heart on the cover circa 1978. Seasons change, years pass, children grow-up and look what I find on GP’s home page today. Awesome. The ‘Quick Lick’ video is here.   (read more)
Guitar Player Magazine features ‘That jazz guy on the internet’
Posted by on February 8, 2012
As a kid, I used to pour over every issue of Guitar Player Magazine. I was starving for information about guitars, music, gear. I remember the first issue I ever bought: It featured Nancy Wilson of Heart on the cover circa 1978. Seasons change, years pass, children grow-up and look what I find on GP’s home page today. Awesome. The ‘Quick Lick’ video is here.   (read more)
The Tale of Mr. Tippy Toe
Posted by on February 8, 2012
Mr. Tippy Toe is a sneaky theme that I wrote for the first Atmos Trio album. Part of the fun of writing instrumental tunes is that you can name them anything you want. This piece has a story behind the title and I thought I would share that (and the music of course) here: We used to live in an old victorian-style house. Creaky stairs and hard-wood floors revealed everyone’s location through-out… (read more)
The Tale of Mr. Tippy Toe
Posted by on February 8, 2012
Mr. Tippy Toe is a sneaky theme that I wrote for the first Atmos Trio album. Part of the fun of writing instrumental tunes is that you can name them anything you want. This piece has a story behind the title and I thought I would share that (and the music of course) here: We used to live in an old victorian-style house. Creaky stairs and hard-wood floors revealed everyone’s location through-out… (read more)
A Secret Musical Code Revealed via JS Bach
Posted by on February 4, 2012
There is a secret built into Bach’s Little Fugue in G minor. I issued a friendly challenge to listeners to spot the famous Jazz standard nestled among the busy polyphonic dialog in this Bach piece. Even an offering of 2000 internet cool points has not unearthed the answer, so I’ll give it to you now: Listen at 1:52 …now listen to the video below at 2:25. Nerdy but cool.   (read more)
A Secret Musical Code Revealed via JS Bach
Posted by on February 4, 2012
There is a secret built into Bach’s Little Fugue in G minor. I issued a friendly challenge to listeners to spot the famous Jazz standard nestled among the busy polyphonic dialog in this Bach piece. Even an offering of 2000 internet cool points has not unearthed the answer, so I’ll give it to you now: Listen at 1:52 …now listen to the video below at 2:25. Nerdy but cool.   (read more)
I’ve been working in the studio so much these days that I’m beginning to see spots.
Posted by on February 2, 2012
Guess that comes with the territory when your navigating lines that Bach laid out in logical beautiful detail. I learned the Little Fugue in G minor years ago as a self-imposed study in how Bach ‘improvised’ through chord changes. I always want to improvise melodies that possess that clear, eloquent almost story-telling manner about them like Bach. When you play these pieces, you’re afforded… (read more)
I’ve been working in the studio so much these days that I’m beginning to see spots.
Posted by on February 2, 2012
Guess that comes with the territory when your navigating lines that Bach laid out in logical beautiful detail. I learned the Little Fugue in G minor years ago as a self-imposed study in how Bach ‘improvised’ through chord changes. I always want to improvise melodies that possess that clear, eloquent almost story-telling manner about them like Bach. When you play these pieces, you’re afforded… (read more)
My Morning guitar Warm-up. Don’t Think, Just Play
Posted by on February 1, 2012
I have a ritual of sorts that I begin each day with. It’s been this way for me for decades. To re-establish the connection that I need with the guitar, I begin the day with music. This may seem obvious but I see players running scales and patterns and all this technical finger-wiggle stuff and not get around to actually playing music. On this day, Stings’ Fragile was the vehicle of choice. I’ve… (read more)
My Morning guitar Warm-up. Don’t Think, Just Play
Posted by on February 1, 2012
I have a ritual of sorts that I begin each day with. It’s been this way for me for decades. To re-establish the connection that I need with the guitar, I begin the day with music. This may seem obvious but I see players running scales and patterns and all this technical finger-wiggle stuff and not get around to actually playing music. On this day, Stings’ Fragile was the vehicle of choice. I’ve… (read more)
Newsletter–Don’t get left out on all the hippest stuff
Posted by on January 14, 2012
I have a free newsletter that goes out to anyone that wants to join in the fun! I’m working hard here at AtmosMusic to make the Internet a more musical place for you! Signup for the Most Melifluous Newsletter Ever * required First name: Last name: Email *: I won’t spam you…promise What the newsletter will contain: Any upcoming news, events, or plans about upcoming musical projects, so you can… (read more)
Newsletter–Don’t get left out on all the hippest stuff
Posted by on January 14, 2012
I have a free newsletter that goes out to anyone that wants to join in the fun! I’m working hard here at AtmosMusic to make the Internet a more musical place for you! Signup for the Most Melifluous Newsletter Ever * required First name: Last name: Email *: I won’t spam you…promise What the newsletter will contain: Any upcoming news, events, or plans about upcoming musical projects, so you can… (read more)
Rob Michael’s Free Guitar Lesson: Diminished Scale 4-for-1 Deal
Posted by on January 4, 2012
Times are tough and everyone is looking for a deal. To that end, I’m offering-up this little morsel of jazzy vocabulary. The (half-step/ whole-step) diminished scale is arguably the most flexible harmonic and melodic device available to the improvising musician. We talked about this great device before in terms of using it chordally so I thought I would explore some melodic applications. The diminished… (read more)
Rob Michael’s Free Guitar Lesson: Diminished Scale 4-for-1 Deal
Posted by on January 4, 2012
Times are tough and everyone is looking for a deal. To that end, I’m offering-up this little morsel of jazzy vocabulary. The (half-step/ whole-step) diminished scale is arguably the most flexible harmonic and melodic device available to the improvising musician. We talked about this great device before in terms of using it chordally so I thought I would explore some melodic applications. The diminished… (read more)
New Long Distance Holiday Collaboration Tune for “Save The Children”
Posted by on December 22, 2011
Over the past few years, I’ve connected w/ many many uber-talented people via popular social networks; people I would most certainly never have met before the “Social Age.” One such connection is my piano playing friend from the UK, Yukie Smith. She approached my a few days ago about collaborating on a musical piece she composed for the Save the Children foundation. Together, we created this… (read more)
New Long Distance Holiday Collaboration Tune for “Save The Children”
Posted by on December 22, 2011
Over the past few years, I’ve connected w/ many many uber-talented people via popular social networks; people I would most certainly never have met before the “Social Age.” One such connection is my piano playing friend from the UK, Yukie Smith. She approached my a few days ago about collaborating on a musical piece she composed for the Save the Children foundation. Together, we created this… (read more)
My Gift to You: A Christmas Guitar Lesson
Posted by on December 12, 2011
It’s sort of a guitar lesson I guess… I recently released my solo guitar Christmas EP “Rob Michael’s Christmas by the Fire.” I’ve had some very pleasant positive feedback from both casual listeners and other guitarists. My offering today is my printed arrangement of Little town of Bethlehem. Little Town of Bethlehem by Rob Michael If you decide to play this, I would love to hear it!! (read more)
Rob Michael’s “Christmas by the Fire” Music & Video release
Posted by on December 10, 2011
Happy Holidays! Is it really holiday season already? With each passing year, the time warp factor kicks up a notch. New Videos, New Album, New Store I made a new jazz guitar Christmas EP “Rob Michael’s Christmas by the Fire.”  Because I believe an album should more than some audio files and a pretty picture, I’m inviting you to listen and watch via this Youtube playlist. This features… (read more)
Give the Guitarist You Care About a Gift That Will Last Their Lifetime.
Posted by on December 6, 2011
We’ve all done it: subjected ourselves to crowded stores, spent too much money…and for what? We have the best of intentions, but we buy a box of widgets that we often exchange, re-gift or discard. It feels like giving, but is that  really it? Or is it  just a transfer of stuff– stuff we don’t need or want. Clutter. Knowledge is the best gift I know of. Everyone is hungry for knowledge, what… (read more)
I’m hangin’ w/ Mad and Eddie Duran for their Vallejo Jazz Society Concert
Posted by on September 7, 2011
The Vallejo Jazz Society are having another great concert this Sunday, September 11th featuring the legendary guitar great Eddie Duran together with his wife Mad on sax. Eddie is truely a live legend of jazz who has played and recorded with such icons as Vince Guaraldi, Red Norvo, and Cal Tjader, as well as with Charlie Parker, Stan Getz George Shearing, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Benny Goodman, Pearl… (read more)
Google Plus Hangout Concert: 9 Front Row Seats (yet still room for everyone)
Posted by on July 19, 2011
This Friday, July 22nd from 4-5:30PM (PST), I will be re-starting my Online Concert Series. I love meeting everyone from all over the world who come to (virtually) join me live in my studio for an hour or two of music. This is the studio where I compose music, record albums and this is also where I practice. It’s a comfortable spot and I like to take chances and test-fly pieces of audio-tech that… (read more)
“What So” from “Guard the Point”, an internet collaboration from artists the world over.
Posted by on July 15, 2011
Here is the track from the 4-song EP Guard the Point. Please let me know what you think! What So by Legoland Empire *** If, for some reason an audio player doesn’t appear above, reload the page and it will probably show up. I’m not sure why… *** Here is the guitar set-up review: Two guitar cabs each w/ an 12? EV are stacked atop one another and powered by my Mesa/ BoogieSimul-295 Stereo all-tube… (read more)
My Google+ Hangout Jam Session
Posted by on July 10, 2011
By now, you’ve heard of Google’s new social network Google Plus (G+). Among all of the great features, the one that gets talked about the most is the ‘Hangout’ where up to ten people can participate in a video chat; either public or private. It’s bone-head easy and works great! I pretty much always have my guitar in my hands–even when surfing the web. It’s nothing new to me. Whenever… (read more)
Shout out to 1/365th of everyone whose ever been born. Rob Michael, Bari Guitar
Posted by on June 21, 2011
Day 2 of experiments w/ my (Feux) Baritone Guitar tuning. Low to high it’s Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, F, Bb. Here I’m playing some chords to a melody that meandered by. You likely know someone for whom this tune is perfect. Rob Michael, Solo Baritone Guitar. #HBDTY by Rob Michael (read more)
Experimenting with Baritone Reentrant Guitar Tuning.
Posted by on June 20, 2011
If you’ve listened to any of Pat Metheny’s solo acoustic guitar albums, you’re familiar with the dark, lower-register vibe offered by the baritone guitar. I decided to spend a part of my Father’s Day exploring a similar tuning to Pat’s. The guitar is tuned in standard intervals but tuned down to Bb with the middle two string tuned up an octave. It’s great as it injects even garden-variety… (read more)
The Jazz audience is there–You just have to CREATE a scene (VJS).
Posted by on June 15, 2011
Since late last year, some local jazz lovers (including myself) got together to brainstorm on the topics of Jazz Awareness, Education and proliferation and created the Vallejo Jazz Society (VJS). Using our friend Janice King’s, The SonomaValley Jazz Society as a model, we’ve filed for non-profit status and organized a some great concert events. One such event was this past Sunday. The entire… (read more)
Internet Jazzers make Collaborative EP: Building the “LegoLand Empire”
Posted by on April 19, 2011
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–my favorite use of the internet is collaborating with people you otherwise would probably not have even met. Case-in-point is a new 4-song Electronic/Funk/ Jazz EP called “Guard the Point” organized by Allen Wentz. Allen masterminded this project and invited me and two other top-shelf musicians, Neil Alexander on keys and Trip Wamsley on bass to… (read more)
Rob Michael Solo Guitar “Fireside Concert” Rendition of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Posted by on December 22, 2010
This is turning-out to be a wonderful Holiday season for music. Please check-out my first and second installments of my “Fireside Concert” series. Also, you HAVE to see Ein Astronauts YouTube Christmas collaboration project that I played on as well. …if that isn’t enough Christmas music for you, here is yet another. Merry Christmas!! (read more)
Have trouble making decisions? Behold, the Buy ‘EVERYTHING’ Button
Posted by on December 20, 2010
“When you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” Neil Peart Sometimes, you just need to things to be easy. To that end, I’m offering ALL of the music I’ve recorded thus far in one easy download. Press the red button and you can buy EVERYTHING for $20. Easy-peasy. (read more)
EPIC YouTube Christmas Collaboration w/ Ein Astronaut
Posted by on December 18, 2010
I’ve said it before, the BEST part about the internet is the ease with which musicians can so easily collaborate. I am super-fortunate to be involved in this international YouTube collaboration orchestrated by Ein Astronaut from Hamburg Germany. 33 Youtube musicians played on this project accumulating a staggering 160 audio tracks! You can get a free mp3 of the audio here. Happy Holidays! (read more)
Re-working Christmas tunes: Little Town of Bethlehem
Posted by on December 15, 2010
I guess it’s the seasonal nature of Holiday songs that hold their appeal for me. You play them for a couple of months and forget about them until the following year. I’ve started making short videos of Christmas tunes that I’ve been re-harmonizing lately. Here’s my latest. (read more)
A Musical Christmas offering-Happy Holidays from Rob Michael.
Posted by on December 14, 2010
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My Funk/ Bop Blowout w/ Trip Wamsley
Posted by on December 7, 2010
My favorite part of the internet era–BY FAR– is the ease with which we are now able to connect with and collaborate with amazing musicians the world over. Case-in-point: bassist Trip Wamsley contacted me and asked if I would provide him a “Bebop blowout” on this tune that he co-composed with his 8-year-old son. I listened to his track a couple of times, fired-up my guitar rig and just went… (read more)
Top 5 Internet Services for Musical Collaboration.
Posted by on December 3, 2010
One of the best parts of being an active musician for me these days is collaborating with others from all over the world. I routinely communicate with world-class musos and a common sentiment is “Man, we should work together on some project…” sometimes they work-out…sometimes not. I have done many remote recording sessions from the comfort of my home studio for years (Sending ADAT tapes through… (read more)
Vallejo Jazz Society wants YOU! (Concert video)
Posted by on November 17, 2010
The newly formed Vallejo Jazz Society is actively seeking members. Whether you are a listener interested in finding-out about upcoming events or you’re interested in doing some moving and shaking as a board member, we’re looking for YOU! To that end, this past Sunday, we gave a free concert open to the public. It was a smashing success! With an over-capacity crowd that spilled into the street… (read more)
Introducing the Vallejo Jazz Society
Posted by on November 12, 2010
I am excited to announce a new Jazz organization that I’m now a part of:  the Vallejo Jazz Society. We will be presenting a concert, free to the public, on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 5:PM. The purpose is to introduce the VJS to the community and let you know how you can be involved. The concert will take place at Step Up Music (1716 Sonoma Boulevard (at Georgia St.), Vallejo, CA 94590-6012 (707) 647-3050.… (read more)
New Video: Twitter-fueled SSIJ Jazz Band (LIVE)
Posted by on September 20, 2010
It’s been a couple of weeks now since the SSIJ (Secret Society of Internet Jazzers) played the Beta Lounge in Berkeley, CA. We enjoyed an enthusiastic audience both in the room and on Ustream. The club was very dark so our Ustream crew was treated to primarily audio feed. Fortunately, we had a couple of other cameras that were able to catch a enough visual data for me to provide you this glimpse… (read more)
My upcoming gig with the”Secret Society of Internet Jazzers”
Posted by on September 2, 2010
There are several different reasons that I employ the various Social Media tools available to us from around the web. One is connect with people who may never have heard my music and I can reach out to them, and them to me, and we connect. Another might be to keep a dialog open with industry people: Product manufacturers, other blogs etc. Yet another is to reach out to discover and get to know other… (read more)
Video Song Documentary: “Takin’ It to the Streets”
Posted by on August 18, 2010
Here is my newest video offering: A cover of the classic Doobie Brothers‘ “Takin’ it to the Streets.” What I’ve tried to do here is provide some documentary content: To really show what it is you’re hearing. The audio and video for this song were tracked at the same time. What you hear and what you see are one-in-the-same. When you see a computer recording something in the background,… (read more)
New (Uke) Single available by special request.
Posted by on August 4, 2010
A couple of weeks ago I made a video featuring my new ukulele. Since then it has been requested that I make the audio available for download. So I have. That’s one of the coolest things about being completely independent musician: Total autonomy. Someone graciously expresses interest in your music and you provide it to them. Just like that. Like always, it’s yours for a Pay What You Want (even… (read more)
New addition to the (musical) family.
Posted by on July 26, 2010
I’ll admit it: When the ukulele craze started catching-on a few years ago, I kind of made fun of it. I’m not sure why–but I did. The other day I was seduced by the uke’s sound & vibe I had something of an epiphany which resulted in this tenor uke “following me home.” Guess I’ll keep it. (read more)
“In Session” Making of The Rain Song [Video]
Posted by on June 22, 2010
A couple of weeks a go, I released my version of Led Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song” and offered the recording as a FREE download and asked only for a single Tweet in return. The response was inspiring! All over the world came these lovely notes of appreciation for the track. They still come through now and [...] (read more)
Video: Tearin’ it up One Night in Glen Ellen
Posted by on June 6, 2010
Here is the Atmos Trio functioning as “The guys” in support of singer Cynthia Tarr. We’ve held down this regular gig in Glen Ellen CA at Olive & Vine for a couple of years and have developed a very enthusiastic audience there. Here’s a fairly up-tempo tune that the band stretches out on a little. Good [...] (read more)
“Cry Me a River” in the Wine Country
Posted by on June 3, 2010
Here’s the classic “Cry Me a River” from my gig last Friday night in the California wine country. Glen Ellen, CA is home the the Olive & Vine where the Atmos Trio functioned as “The Guys” to singer (and wife to our bass player Cliff Hugo) Cynthia Tarr. (read more)
Amazing Music video for Led Zeppelin’s Rain Song
Posted by on May 21, 2010
A few days ago I made my jazzified version of Led Zeppelin’s Rain Song available to my twitter followers in exchange for a tweet. I was thrilled by the number of downloads and positive reactions I received. You can still get the track for a tweet. My biggest surprise came from Mike Conaty who, upon hearing the [...] (read more)
Love You to Hear This Song & All it Costs is a Tweet…
Posted by on May 18, 2010
I’ve been working away in my studio with some new toys and thought I would share some results. It’s my gift to you, and all I request in return is a tweet. This is my favorite Led Zeppelin tune The Rain Song. It features me playing guitars (Acoustic steel-string, hollowbody & my trusty Strat), bass guitar [...] (read more)
Demo vs Official Release. Which is better?
Posted by on May 7, 2010
In 2006, the Atmos Trio released our first self-titled CD. On that album is a beautiful ballad written by our then bass player Jeff Obee called “Her Eyes.” Around that time, in order to move music around the web, I used to have to store MP3s on my web server and link back to the files. A  music streaming company has been leeching from my web server for years serving up the DEMO version of this… (read more)
Sneak preview to another upcoming studio release: “Lembra de Mim”
Posted by on May 6, 2010
“Lembra de Mim” is a masterpiece-level composition by the great Ivan Lins. Our wonderful singer Cynthia Tarr wrote english lyrics to the piece and our version is “Think Well of Me.” I play once a month with this group a the Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen, CA. If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in the Sonoma Valley on a Friday night, come on by! Think Well of Me Preview by AtmosTrio… (read more)
What’s on “The Bench” this week in the Studio? Guitar stuff, of course!
Posted by on April 8, 2010
Here’s another quick preview peak into a project I’m wrapping-up. This an excerpt to a rough mix–just to show you what I’m up to. “Reptile” is basically a funk tune. The instrumentation is a little different in so far as the rhythm guitar part is played on a steel-string acoustic guitar. The solo is my old work-hourse frankestein ’80’s-era Strat. This track features my buds Joe Shotwell… (read more)
A little peak into some studio work I’m doing.
Posted by on March 29, 2010
Having just received my nylon-string guitar back the repair shop from my man Gary Brawer, I was excited to get back to work on some projects requiring this instrument. I love playing this guitar, this excerpt from an upcoming album provides a glimpse into why. Desire solo by AtmosTrio (read more)
New album “LIVE STREAM JAZZ” w/ Steve Uccello
Posted by on March 8, 2010
On February 5th, 2010, Steve Uccello & I performed an impromptu concert to an internet audience on my ongoing Ustream Concert Series. This collection of tunes documents that performance. This album is available exclusively here, at AtmosMusic.com and at our Bandcamp store. Album artwork by Linda Palmer (www.ponor.info) Steve and I met on twitter last spring. We organized and performed together at… (read more)
My most successful album release has occured during prerelease!
Posted by on March 1, 2010
On February 5th, Steve Uccello and I played a lovely duo set together during one of my LIVE Ustream Jazz shows. Afterward, it was discovered that we had apparently just recorded a live album. That alone is pretty special. Add to that the wonderful album art that UK artist Linda Palmer contributed to the project and you have a full-on internet-fueled collaboration. …but there’s more. Rather than… (read more)
May I share some of my new LIVE STREAM JAZZ album with you?
Posted by on February 25, 2010
On Friday, February 5th, (read more)
Rob Michael & Todd Johnson let it flow on the Ustream
Posted by on February 21, 2010
Bassist Todd Johnson joined me last Thursday on my Ustream Show. He’s a master musician and a super sweet guy that I’m happy to count as a friend. Here we are having a musical conversation on Luis Bonfa’s Manhã de Carnaval. Posted via email from AtmosMusic (read more)
Ustream Concert with Todd Johnson
Posted by on February 19, 2010
Yesterday marked the latest of what is becoming a series of great internet jazz performances. One of my most valued online connections is with world-class bassist Todd Johnson. He and his lovely wife Gay came to my studio to hang-out and play some music to an enthusiastic international audience on Ustream. Here is a brief peak into what we played. There will be higher quality video on my YouTube channel… (read more)
Rob Michael & Steve Uccello: Travels (Pat Metheny)
Posted by on February 10, 2010
Here is another excerpt from my Ustream show from last Friday that featured bassist Steve Uccello. This is 1980’s-era Pat Metheny tune that touches on the more country/ folk side of things. Hope you like it. Posted via email from AtmosMusic (read more)
Rob Michael & Steve Uccello explore the Jazz Classic “Autumn Leaves”
Posted by on February 8, 2010
Often viewed as a “Jazz 101″ kind of tune, Autumn Leaves has to be one of the most commonly played and recorded standards of the idiom. In terms of playing an entire set, this meeting was the first time Steve Uccello and I had played together and that is the perfect time to cherry-pick from the Standards repertoire. Based on the Cycle of 5th’s, this tune is a remarkable vehicle for improvisation.… (read more)
Excerpt from Live duo show featuring Steve Uccello and I - Pionsenka Dla Stasia (Song For Stasia).
Posted by on February 6, 2010
Though I typically play these shows solo, yesterday, I had the good fortune to have Monterey-based bassist, Steve Uccello come to the studio to join me during my first Ustream concert of the year. Steve and I met via Twitter last year and together organized a wonderful house concert. It was super cool to play again. Look for more of these excerpts in the coming days. Posted via email from AtmosMusic… (read more)
Rob Michael and Jason Parker hanging with tomorrow’s Jazzers.
Posted by on January 21, 2010
My friend Jason Parker and I played a fun duo gig this past Friday at Addison Elementary School in Palo Alto. Jason is one of my valued connections that I’ve had the good fortune of making via twitter and his excellent blog. Having had many great online discussions, we decided to meet and play this gig together. Jason went to school in this neighborhood as a youngster where he was turned-on… (read more)
Christmas Collaboration on YouTube
Posted by on December 24, 2009
This really great Christmas surprise comes courtesy of my friend Rahsheen. He took the initiative and added some more holiday mojo to my solo guitar version of White Christmas. Dig it.  Posted via email from AtmosMusic (read more)
Season’s Greetings from Rob Michael, Solo Jazz Guitar: White Christmas
Posted by on December 20, 2009
via youtube.com My way of giving thanks for all the wonderful support I’ve received this year. I truly appreciate it. Happy Holidays! Posted via web from AtmosMusic (read more)
Why in the world would I give my music away for FREE?
Posted by on December 17, 2009
A couple of weeks ago I conducted an experiment with the Atmos Trio bandcamp site. It was toward the beginning of the holiday season and I was in a giving mood, so I priced all of Atmos Trio’s albums (which include sheet music along with music files.) at a “Pay what You Want (even nothing)” price. I’m accustomed and happy to giving music away for free. I’ve always offered individual… (read more)
My sessions with The Joe Henderson Memorial Big Band
Posted by on December 13, 2009
I played with The Joe Henderson Memorial Big Band led by Warren Gale Jr. until until mid 2009 when, due to CA state budget cuts, the group had to be disbanded. This was a stellar group of musicians, many of whom played with Joe over the course of his long career. These tunes were recorded in a 2007 session. Trumpets: Warren Gale, John Christensen, Dave Fava Trombones: Jules Rowles, Chuck Bennett Saxes:… (read more)
My sessions with The Joe Henderson Memorial Big Band
Posted by on December 13, 2009
I played with The Joe Henderson Memorial Big Band led by Warren Gale Jr. until until mid 2009 when, due to CA state budget cuts, the group had to be disbanded. This was a stellar group of musicians, many of whom played with Joe over the course of his long career. These tunes were recorded in a 2007 session. Trumpets: Warren Gale, John Christensen, Dave Fava  Trombones: Jules Rowles, Chuck Bennett… (read more)
Atmos Trio 3-Day Holiday Music Special
Posted by on December 7, 2009
Purchase securely here: Happy Holidays We have new online store: the Atmos Trio Bandcamp site. Here you can listen to tunes for FREE, embed players on your web sites and/or purchase downloads. We so appreciate the support that we’ve received all year that we’re offering a special gift for you. Next week, starting December 7th through the 9th, both of our albums “Atmos Trio” and ”Atmos Plays… (read more)
Pay What You Want (even nothing…) for “Atmos Plays Waters” for the next 24 hours.
Posted by on November 30, 2009
Enjoy the latest album by the Atmos Trio “Atmos Plays Waters.” This album features the amazing compositions of Drew Waters and includes sheet music for two of the tunes. You are invited to download the entire recording, FREE of charge, or you can exercise your option to pay ANY price you like. Happy Holidays!! Posted via email from atmosmusic’s posterous (read more)
The Musician's Tales: Stories from the Trenches #cheesegigthrowdown
Posted by on November 23, 2009
I was exchanging some gig stories this morning and the trend continues. This widget is following the Twitter hashtag #cheesegigthrowdown. But you want to know something? From my experience, even the worst scenario from the #cheesegigthrowdown, while frustrating at the time, is better than non-musical endeavours. (read more)
Rob testifying the 'Spam Blues' on Ustream
Posted by on November 20, 2009
via ustream.tv Every Thursday, I play a solo jazz guitar show right out of my home studio. From my perspective, its The Hippest Thing Ever! On this particular Thursday, I was being pummeled by spammers and wellit gave me the blues. Posted via web from atmosmusics posterous (read more)
This week's 'Forgotten' Atmos Trio tune: Bill Frisell's 'Is It Sweet?'
Posted by on November 17, 2009
From a July 2004 session, "Is It Sweet" is a classic Bill Frisell piece that features a really cool "drunken" feel in the groove and some folky- country-blues tones. Again, I'm offering a tune we played out of the love of playing. There are no edits or overdubs here. Is It Sweet? I think so& Is It Sweet by AtmosTrio (read more)
Another 'Forgotten' Atmos Trio track: Stephanie's Soliloquey (2004)
Posted by on November 11, 2009
This offering is the sixth in an on-going series of Forgotten Music that has been rediscovered after years of languishing on a hard drive. This music was never intended for release, but after sitting all this time, has been considered worthy, at least, to share. it may be that a Forgotten Album will emerge. Recorded in July 2004. Atmos Trio wasnt even recording an albumjust sight-reading… (read more)
Another 'Forgotten' Atmos Trio track: Stephanie's Soliloquey (2004)
Posted by on November 11, 2009
This offering is the sixth in an on-going series of Forgotten Music that has been rediscovered after years of languishing on a hard drive. this music was never intended for release, but after sitting all this time, has been considered worthy, at least, to share. it may be that a Forgotten Album will emerge. Recorded in July 2004. Atmos Trio  wasnt even recording an albumjust sight-reading… (read more)
Atmos Trio Monday morning sessions: Miles Davis' Solar
Posted by on November 6, 2009
The Atmos Trio first started out as an excuse to play in a very conversational way. We were (and still are) seeking a musical discussion that required no words. We were out to explore group improvisation but hopefully present it in such a way that it almost sounded composed. For a time, our method of operation was to converge on my studio each Monday morning, throw up some mics, hit RECORD and just… (read more)
Solo Jazz Guitar take on 'Don't Know Why'
Posted by on November 2, 2009
Continuing my efforts to liberate hard drive space is unearthing several forgotten little musical treasures.  My offering for today is this solo guitar version the tune Nora Jones made such a huge hit several years ago. Like everything I've shared via Soundcloud, this track was never intended for release, just something I rediscovered and thought may provide someone with temporary respite from… (read more)
Clearing-out hard drive space and discovered these Forgotten Atmos Trio Tunes.
Posted by on October 29, 2009
These are live recordings that were never intended for release but that, upon reviewing years after the fact, seemed worthy of sharing with interested listeners. These are from a time when the concept of The Atmos Trio was still crystalizing. Hypothetical Premise-A live track that captured an early Atmos Trio as we tuned-up (2004). There is no preconceived composition just a jam. We know what song… (read more)
Atmos Trio plays Horace Silver's Lonely Woman
Posted by on October 29, 2009
Searching the audio archives here in the studio, found this Horace Silver masterpiece that the Atmos Trio played Live in 2005. Hope you dig it. Lonely Woman by AtmosTrio Posted via email from atmosmusics posterous (read more)
Reflecting on the Rob Michael/ Damian Erskine Ustream Clinic
Posted by on October 26, 2009
This past week, I had the great fortune to be able to share my Ustream Show with bass player extraordinaire Damian Erskine. Damian and I have become familiar with one another via Social Networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. When he sent me a tweet indicating that he had a tour wrapping-up in my area and was interested in doing some playing, I wasted no time in inviting him to be… (read more)
Just Another Day at the Office (When you have the BEST job Ever!!)
Posted by on October 26, 2009
Some days you just have to pinch yourself& Here are a couple of photos that I took FROM THE BANDSTAND of a gig Atmos Trio played yesterday afternoon. Corner office? No thanks. See and download the full gallery on posterous Posted via email from atmosmusics posterous (read more)
Want to see what Atmos Trio charts look like when you download the Hi-Rez Album? Listen & read along
Posted by on October 17, 2009
The Atmos Trio has made our music available on our new BandCamp site.  This is a wonderful site in many ways. One of my favorite features is the ability to include bonus material along with the music files. We've decided to make this music available to anyone who wants it for FREE in the form of an mp3. If you would like a Higher Resolution file (advisable as the music is beautifully mixed and… (read more)
Want to see what Atmos Trio charts look like when you download the Hi-Rez Album? Listen & read along
Posted by on October 17, 2009
Download now or preview on posterous Waiting.pdf (30 KB) The Atmos Trio has made our music available on our new BandCamp site.  This is a wonderful site in many ways. One of my favorite features is the ability to include bonus material along with the music files. We've decided to make this music available to anyone who wants it for FREE in the form of an mp3. If you would like a Higher Resolution… (read more)
Ustream is My New Concert Venue
Posted by on October 15, 2009
For decades, I have enjoyed a comfortable career as a working musician. Playing gigs as both a leader and a sideman, recording albums and teaching. A few months ago, a fellow guitarist and friend, Ruth Parry and I decided to play a series of gigs on Thursday afternoons just for fun. It was at a small local cafe a few blocks from Ruths house and near where I teach. Fun and convenient, why not! The… (read more)
Private Lesson: Inside the mind of Pat Metheny. “Inori” transcribed.
Posted by on July 16, 2009
One of the best ways to improve your understanding of the musical language is by closely listening and analyzing the works of the masters. Case in point, I have, for my own self study, transcribed this beautiful tune by the Pat Metheny Trio. Inori is from the Tokyo Day Trip (Live) release featuring Christian McBride and Antonio Sanchez. This is the melody and self-accompaniment (of which Pat… (read more)
The Reincarnation of Forgotten Tunes
Posted by on June 24, 2009
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Orphaned Track: Bach's 'Little Fugue' in G minor
Posted by on June 5, 2009
Little Fugue Gm by Rob Michael   Download now or listen on posterous (2786 KB)  I recorded this piece as an experiment sometime around 2001. I played all of the parts on guitar. Good fun!   Originally composed for the organ, this piece goes well beyond the range of the guitar: I kept tuning lower and lower. I had to [...] (read more)
Mixing Big Band Tracks
Posted by on May 3, 2009
I have the privilege of playing with The Joe Henderson Memorial Big Band. Trumpets: Warren Gale, John Christensen, Dave Fava Trombones: Jules Rowles, Chuck Bennett Saxes: Mel Martin, Pete Yellin, Tim Divine, Jean Fineberg, Dave Tidball, Jim Rothermel, Amelia Timbang Catalano  Rhythm Section: Rob Michael: Guitar, Dave Udolf: Piano, Paul Smith: Bass, Bob… (read more)
Atmos Trio 'Twitter House Concert' pt 2
Posted by on April 17, 2009
For several days after the beautiful House Concert at Juans place last week, media has been streaming into my DropBox. Super cool, photos, videos and stereo recordings. Ive been putting some of it together and want to share some of it with you now. The shear volume of stuff far exceeded my expectation. I thought I [...] (read more)
Atmos Trio's 'Twitter' House Concert
Posted by on April 15, 2009
This past Friday, April 10th 2009, we had the good fortune to follow through with a House Concert  that was orchestrated, end-to-end on Twitter. With our new Twitter friends Steve Uccello and Gustaf Fjelstrom, we set about establishing a venue, organizing talent, inviting guests and in doing so, a magical event occurred.  Steve found a gracious and enthusiastic [...] (read more)
Olive & Vine w/ Cliff & Cynthia
Posted by on March 27, 2009
Each month, Joe Shotwell & I play with bass player Cliff Hugo and his wife, vocalist Cynthia Tarr at the Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen. Its a super fun gig. Here are some photos. If you have  attended one of these show and would like to share photos youve taken, please email them and be sure [...] (read more)
I've Never Heard of You Either
Posted by on March 19, 2009
Ive had people say to me, on a few occasions, You play so great, why arent you Famous? or Ive never heard of you, sorry the music thing didnt work out. Since I was very young, my goal in life has been to make a comfortable living doing what I enjoy doing. I was never driven [...] (read more)