Trombonist and Augusta, GA native Michael Dease moved to New York City in 2001 to become part of the historic first class of jazz students at The Juilliard School. Earning both Bachelors and Masters degrees, Dease quickly established a reputation as a brilliant soloist, sideman, and band leader.
Dease has released eleven critically- acclaimed recordings as a leader and won the 64th Annual Downbeat Magazine Critic's Poll for Rising Star Jazz Trombonist. He is two-time Grammy award winning lead, section and bass trombonist with today’s leading jazz orchestras led by Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, Charles Tolliver, Rufus Reid, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Rodney Whitaker and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. Dease has revitalized the trombone’s image in the frontline of quintets and sextets led by master musicians The Heath Brothers, Winard Harper, Renee Rosnes, Bill Charlap, Claudio Roditi, and Lewis Nash.
Dease has earned worldwide recognition, including awards from DownBeat MagazineASCAP, The International Trombone Association, Yamaha, American Trombone Workshop, New York Youth Symphony, among others. Dease was recently profiled in Cicily Janus’ book, The New Face of Jazz: An Intimate Look at Today’s Living Legends (Random House). An effective and prolific teacher, he as conducted residencies at University of North Texas, Scranton University, University of Iowa, Florida State College, Broward College, and abroad. He is Associate Professor of Jazz Trombone at the renowned Michigan State University jazz program. Many of Dease’s current and former students are enjoying successful careers in the music world.
Dease studied trombone with legends Wycliffe Gordon and Joseph Alessi. His associations have run the entire spectrum of musical experience: Alicia Keys, Paul Simon, Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra, Elton John, Neal Diamond, Illinois Jacquet, Slide Hampton & The World Of Trombones, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, WDR Big Band, George Gruntz, Billy Harper, and numerous others. Michael plays customized equipment from Michael Rath Trombones and Pickett Brass Mouthpieces.
Powerhouse - "This is the large shank mouthpiece that I used for my symphonic tenor trombone (.547 bore) for nearly all of my solo, ensemble, performance and recording work. To fit my embouchure needs, we crafted a mouthpiece that had the room and comfort of an orchestral mouthpiece with the quicker response of a soloist’s piece. The rim is very comfortable and it’s slightly heavier than stock." - Dease
Clarity - "When I play a smaller tenor trombone (under .525 bore and 8” bell), I’m looking for that magic balance of projection, core, warmth and a hint of darkness. For playing styles like funk, big band & traditional jazz, it has to hold an edge when you want it to cut through the ensemble. Similar to a vintage 6.5 sized mouthpiece that I love, it is updated with Pickett’s rim and weight that makes this my new favorite small shank mouthpiece." - Dease
