Michael Kanan is originally from Boston, MA. He moved to New York City in 1991. Immediately upon arriving, he studied with the great Sal Mosca. From 1995-2001, Kanan was the accompanist for vocal great Jimmy Scott, with whom he toured the United States, Europe, and Japan, made numerous TV and radio performances, and recorded 3 CDs.
Besides his work accompanying vocalists like Scott, Jane Monheit and Annie Ross, Kanan has also played in several instrumental settings. He performed in New York with guitar wizard Kurt Rosenwinkel, and with him recorded the popular CD "Intuit" for Criss-Cross. Kanan was also a founding member of the International Hashva Orchestra, which also included Mark Turner and Jorge Rossy. Kanan has also led his own trio, with bassist Ben Street and drummer Tim Pleasant, on two recordings for Fresh Sound New Talent: "Convergence" and "The Gentleman Is A Dope". His latest release is this duet with longtime collaborator, saxophonist Nat Su from Zurich.
I first met Nat Su in 1990. We had been introduced by our mutual friend Jorge Rossy, who knew that both Nat and I shared an affinity for the music of Lennie Tristano and Lee Konitz... Over the years, Nat and I have performed and recorded in various group settings, but it is always as a duo that our rapport seems to flourish the most. Our method has always been the same: one of us just starts playing and the other joins in when the moment is right. There is no discussion about how or what to play. There are no pre-set arrangements, intros or endings (unless we are playing a unison melody). We just freely enter into a musical dialogue and let the chips fall where they may... Dreams and Reflections is the culmination of several years of musical history and close friendship. We are grateful for the opportunity to include you in our ongoing conversation.
-Michael Kanan, Brooklyn, 2004
