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Born in Holland and raised in Paris by an Irish mother and a French father who gave him a Russian name, guitarist Misja Fitzgerald Michel's international credentials were already well-established before he went to the famously cosmopolitan Banff Center in Canada when he was only 19. Still nothing had really prepared him for what he found there. "It changed my life. There was music all day long, wherever you went, all night long too. I got to meet artists from all over the world, and not just musicians but actors, photographers, dancers." The world seemed to have opened up for him and he wanted to keep it that way so he quickly applied for, and won, a Lavoisier Scholarship to study at the New School in New York. Among his guitar teachers there were masters such as Jim Hall, Mike Stern and John Abercrombie, whose note-bending chord changes influenced his playing. So who really shone among his all-star profs? "I have to say the person who gave me the most in many ways was Billy Hart, the drummer. We became very close and spent a lot of time together. He helped me make my way through life in New York, which isn't always easy!" As much as he loved the energy and musical richness of the Big Apple, Fitzgerald Michel couldn't help noticing the difference between conditions for musicians in the two countries. "In New York, we'd play in bars for nothing and pass the hat. Even established names there get only $50 a night. In Paris the musicians get 500F a gig plus social security." While contemplating a return to the Big Apple, Fitzgerald Michel is in no particular rush. He gets a steady stream of work here as a sideman, mainly with saxophonists such as Ravi Coltrane, Chris Potter, Gary Thomas and Rich Perry. "Working with musicians at that level is fantastic. It puts you in danger every night and gives you the kind of experience and assurance you just can't get any other way." Misja also leads two outfits, a trio with the outstanding bass player, Scott Colley, and drummer Gérard Faroux; and a new quartet featuring drummer Tony Rabeson, Daniel Yvinec on bass and French piano star Manuel Rocheman. The quartet will be premiering at the Duc des Lombards on March 4, and Fitzgerald Michel will be with trumpeter John Swana's quartet at La Villa, March 24-30. Misja Fitzgerald Michel's quartet, Mar 4, 10pm, Duc des Lombards, 42, rue des Lombards, Metro Châtelet, tel: 01.42.33.22.88, 80F. Misja Fitzgerald Michel's quartet, Mar 24-30, 10:30pm, La Villa, 29, rue Jacob, 6e, Metro St-Germain-des-Près, tel: 01.43.26.60.00, 120F Mon & Thu, 150F Fri & Sat, two for the price of one (150F) Tue & Wed, closed Sun, prices include first drink. |
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