Michael DeMicco

Guitarist and composer Mike DeMicco grew up in the arts colony of Woodstock, New York, immersed in blues, jazz and rock music. He has performed and recorded with Chris and Dan Brubeck since the late 1980s, currently with Brubeck Brothers Quartet and previously with DMP recording artists, The Dolphins. Currently teaching jazz guitar at Bard College, Mike joined the Vassar Music Department in 2011.

Mike has worked with many celebrated artists, including Jack DeJohnette, Mose Allison, Dave Brubeck, Warren Bernhardt, Nick Brignola, Michael Franks, Garth Hudson, and W.C. Handy Blues Award-winner, Rory Block. As featured jazz soloist, he has performed with these ensembles in concert programming where jazz meets classical—Calgary Symphony Orchestra, Canada; Dubravnik Symphony Orchestra, Croatia; Spokane Symphony Orchestra; Utah Symphony Orchestra (Keith Lockhart, guest conductor); Yakima Symphony Orchestra; Imani Winds; Philadelphia Orchestra Wind Quintet; Russian National Orchestra Wind Quintet, and the St. Paul Orchestra Wind Quintet.

All About Jazz writes of Mike: “His diverse resume has contributed to his playing prowess…DeMicco possesses a fluid, melodic style and excellent technique and taste.” He has performed at the Kennedy Center, on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion, on PBS’ Jazz in America, and in most major US and European jazz venues and festivals.

Author of a highly acclaimed three-DVD instructional set, You Can Play Jazz Guitar, Mike is also featured accompanist on The Acoustic Bass by Gary Peacock and You Can Play Jazz Piano by Warren Bernhardt. All are available from Homespun Tapes.

Mike co-produced the two most recent Brubeck Brothers Quartet releases. Intuition (2006) featured his compositions Open Door and West of One, while Classified (2008) also featured two of his tunes, Eclipse and Good Question. Each of these recordings remained in the Top 20 of the JazzWeek radio charts for over two months.

“DeMicco’s guitar is the perfect blend of soul, polish and technique.”
— JazzTimes

“DeMicco’s guitar is a crackling presence throughout [Intuition], adding a muscular vibe that hikes the energy.”
— The Philadelphia Inquirer

“…Wonderfully imaginative playing. DeMicco is a true highlight…shows great tone and wonderful chops.”
— Vintage Guitar Magazine