Did a thing...

Hey friends,

Just popping in to let you know we did a thing. And by “did a thing” I mean “pour all of our hearts into the fertile soil of fresh, new music.” To be less cryptic: my new piece From Darkness We Awaken is now recorded! Featuring myself on prepared piano alongside Virago, produced by Ben Willis.

Left to right: Wesley Hornpetrie (cello), BethAnn Kunert (alto saxophone), Meg Rohrer (violin), Michael Malis (piano), Ben Willis (producer), Sofia Carbnara (percussion). Photo credit: Doug Coombe

A lot needs to happen before this music is ready to be shared — mixing, mastering, figuring out a plan for distribution, etc. Other projects are in the queue to be released before this one. But I’m still high on the time I just spent in the studio recording this very special piece of music with these very special musicians. And I wanted to let you know about it while it’s still fresh.

Thanks for your support. I can’t wait to share this one with you.

Best,

- Michael

Bright Moments

Hi Friends,

I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy! I’ve been keeping quiet, but staying extremely busy. Here area some of the exciting musical things that have been happening in my world recently:

From Darkness We Awaken

Last fall, I was commissioned to compose a new piece for Virago, an amazing chamber/improvising/beyond description ensemble. The result of that was From Darkness We Awaken, for myself on piano plus their ensemble. We just started rehearsing together last week, and we are recording the piece in early June. I’m so excited for this project I can barely contain myself. They are making my music sound so incredible. I can’t wait to share this project with you! I’m shooting for it to be out in December of this year.

If you’re looking to support this project, please get in touch!

Virago and I in our first rehearsal of From Darkness We Awaken

Other happenings

I’m still taking performing slow this summer (although I do have a few small things booked… more on that later) but I’m gearing up for a very busy Fall 2021. In August, I’ll be releasing a new solo piano set, Imperfect Intervals, on 1473 Records. The recordings will be available as a digital download and on streaming platforms, and the sheet music will also be available for purchase.

And later in the Fall, Balance will be releasing our second album, tentatively titled Conjure, on Two Rooms Records. That will be pressed to vinyl, and features myself and Marcus Elliot, as well as guest appearances by Gerald Cleaver and Chase Morris.

I’ll keep you all updated on these exciting projects, and other happenings, as the summer progresses. For now, stay healthy and I can’t wait to share space with you again!

Best Wishes,
- Michael

This Weekend -- Two Can't Miss Live Streams

Hi everyone,
Popping in to remind you of my two virtual performances this weekend.

On Friday February 26 at 6:30pm, I’ll be live from the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for a solo piano concert. I’ll be playing some old music, some new music, and some music by heroes (Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, Sun Ra, Alexander Scriabin.) Grab your tickets here.

On Saturday February 27 at 2:00pm, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will broadcast a performance and conversation from my group Balance (with saxophonist Marcus Elliot.) This show will be part of a 5-hour festival, Jazz From Detroit (curated by Mark Stryker,) featuring ourselves and some of our Detroit Jazz heroes. Get your tickets here.

Drop me a message if you need anything.

Thanks, and stay safe,

- Michael

Photo by Costa Kazaleh Sirdenis

Two Upcoming Livestream Events

Hi friends,

Hope everyone is doing well and getting through the winter! I have two virtual livestream concerts coming up at the end of the month that you can enjoy from the safety and warmth of your own home:

On Friday February 26 at 6:30pm, I’ll be live from the Saugatuck Center for the Arts in Saugatuck, MI, for a Solo Piano concert as part of their Hemphy Keyboard Series. I’ll be playing some new music that I’ve been working on in quarantine, as well as some old music from months and years ago. My first solo piano gig in a very long time. Would be great for you to join me virtually! Tickets are $20, and can be purchased here:

https://www.sc4a.org/program-tickets/?eid=48725

Photo Credit: Jeff Dunn

On Saturday February 27 at 2:00pm, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will broadcast Jazz from Detroit: Virtual Music Marathon. In November, Balance (myself and Marcus Elliot) sat down in front of a limited live audience in Orchestra Hall for an interview and performance with author Mark Stryker about jazz, Detroit, our influences, and the legacy of this music. Our show is part of 5 hour festival presentation, featuring performances and interviews with jazz legends Charles McPherson, Robert Hurst, and Regina Carter. Tickets are only $9, and can be purchased here:

https://www.dso.org/watch/1226798

Hope to virtually see you at one or both of these! Stay safe, and thanks as always for your support,

- Michael

Marginalia Vol. 2: Six Lullabies

Hey everyone,

I decided to drop a little year-end collection to commemorate the crazy year that was.

These six pieces were recorded in October and November of 2020, as I was preparing for the birth of my first child. These little lullabies provided the soundtrack for his last days in the womb and his first moments and days of life on the outside. I wasn’t sure if I would put these out or not, but I realized that if I don’t share them now I probably never will. So just like we’re letting go of 2020 soon, I’m letting go of these songs. Enjoy.

Listen Here.

For now they’ll be on Bandcamp only. I might add them to the streaming services at some point.

I’m offering this music for free, as a gift to you. But if you decide to chip in some money, all proceeds through the end of 2020 will benefit the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Building:Arts initiative, which is raising funds to provide instruments, sheet music, art supplies, dance floors, and more to DPSCD students. www.detroitk12.org/BuildingArts

Thanks as always for your continued support,

- Michael