Born in Sligo, Michael Nielsen is recognised as the most innovative and creative jazz guitarist of his generation. Since returning from his studies at Boston's Berklee College of Music in the 1986, he has been at the forefront of Irish contemporary jazz, both as a performer and educator. Michael has performed world wide and has toured and recorded with most notably the celebrated American saxophonist Dave Liebman.

He was guest tutor at the International Association of Schools of Jazz (IASJ), and has lectured in colleges including, Berklee College, Boston, the New School, New York, the Royal College of Music, London and the University of Ulster, Derry. And was external jazz guitar tutor for Queens University, Belfast, the University of Ulster, Maynooth College. Michael also is musical advisor/musical coordinator for the Sligo Jazz Project.

As a band leader and composer, he has composed music for many ensembles and was commissioned on several occasions for original work, most recently a guitar quartet piece for the University of Ulster. A suite for jazz quintet was recorded for Lyric Fm during the Kilkenny Arts Festival.

As a freelance guitarist Michael has performed with many international jazz musicians, is a regular member of the Concert Orchestra and has performed with Vox 21 and the Crash Ensemble. In 2008 Michael opened solo for the noted guitarist John McLoughlin in Vicar Street. He will perform in the 2009 Cork Jazz Festival, with former Pat Metheny drummer Paul Wertigo and current bass player with John McLoughlin, Domonique DiPiazza.

In his career Michael is featured on fifteen recordings of predominantly original compositions. In. 2009 a live and studio solo acoustic guitar CD will be released.

A keen interest in microtonality led to the study of physics and music at the DIT Physics Department, Kevin Street where he obtained a Masters Degree and designed a microtonal guitar in the process. Michael's microtonal guitar work is featured on a CD recorded in 2003, Sound Recipes, and he is now pursuing a PhD in microtonal music and composition. He also obtained a Licentiate of Trinity College London, classical performance diploma in 1994.

Michael is Lecturer at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and is director of the new Masters in Jazz Performance Program introduced in 2008 which is a first in Ireland. He also teaches at the VEC Bray Music Centre.

As a band leader Michael has formed many groups and while at Berklee he had the opportunity to study conducting and arranging for big band.

Sample Programmes

Please contact the Performance Programme Manager below for more information.

Reviews

"In a country that has produced more than its fair share of virtuoso jazz guitarists, Nielsen stands out perhaps the most innovative and creative"

Sunday Tribune

"Perhaps the most truly original voice in Irish jazz"

Sunday Tribune

"Mike Nielsen - the most gifted and original guitarist here"

The Irish Times

More Info

For further information on availability or artist fees or to discuss a booking please contact the Performance Programme Manager by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or telephone: 01 6719429.