Biography
ABOUT MICHAEL SOMMA…
Michael Somma was born in New York City, the hot bed of “Jazz” in the World and Michael has always had a love for “Live Music”. He started playing the guitar at the age of 12 and was tutored by jazz great Frank Matty on Long Island, New York.
Michael began his performing career at the early age of 16, performing at venues on Long Island, New York. He performed at My House in Levittown, New York, a favorite venue of “The Hassles”, Billy Joel’s original band. He also played at The Action House in Long Beach, New York, a venue often visited by “The Vagrants” with Leslie West of “Mountain” fame.
For the next 20 years, Michael’s musical journey was filled with musical energy. In 1990, Michael moved to Aspen, Colorado, and joined “The Blues Fuse”, a blues based rock band that was an Aspen favorite for over 10 years. He played all of Aspen’s top venues on a regular basis. In 1995, he played on a National stage with “Willie Nelson”. In 1997, he played on a National stage with “Earth, Wind and Fire”.
Michael then moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, and started a new band, “The Slide Kings”. This band rocked western Colorado for 5 years opening for National Jazz / Fusion acts like “Duke Robillard” and “Robben Ford”. The “Kings” released “Steel Cut” in 2003.
As Michael’s guitar skills matured, his style changed from blues-based rock to smooth jazz. Although Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana remain strong influences, his new guitar idols are modern, smooth jazz players like Larry Carlton, Jeff Golub and Earl Klugh.
Michael moved to Arizona in 2004 and immediately began his solo career by starting “Somma’s Jazz & Blues Company”.
The smooth jazz style fit beautifully into many restaurants, weddings and private parties.
At that time, Michael added DJ skills to his entertainment resume with a library of over 30,000 song titles to play at weddings and private parties.
In the past 4 years, Michael has played over 200 live performances at venues all across Phoenix with outstanding feedback from all who attend.
Michael released “Fine Guitar Wine” in 2008, and “Soul Relaxation” in 2009.
Michael’s love of performing live clearly shines with personal client contact, communication and delivery. He would enjoy delivering a quality performance at your next event.
