Father Figure 
Michael Dease, trombone

My newest CD, Father Figure, chronicles my role as a student, mentor and new father over the course of my career at MSU and in New York City.

I'm proud to feature two of our outstanding MSU Jazz Studies students on this release: saxophonist Markus Howell (B. Mus '17) and bassist Endea Owens (B.Mus '15) and to help introduce them to an international audience. Additionally, the cover photo was taken in front of the MSU Broad Art Musem. —Michael Dease

From press release: Trombonist Michael Dease takes a brave step forward and becomes a "Father Figure" on his third album for Posi-Tone. Acting as a musical mentor with an eye to the future, Dease has assembled a group that features several of the brightest new young players to work alongside a few established musicians like pianist Glenn Zaleski and vibraphonist Behn Gillece. As a band leader, Dease makes sure the entire session stays insightfully straight forward and refreshingly melodic throughout while he conducts his topnotch crew through a series of new compositions and original arrangements. With this latest release, Dease not only confirms his status as one of the biggest rising stars in jazz today, but also shows that he is clearly a visionary role model and "Father Figure" for jazz fans to keep their eyes fixed upon for years to come.

CD release date: April 2016, Posi-Tone Records

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