The Michael Shirtz Quartet and the Heidelberg Jazz Ensemble

The Michael Shirtz Quartet features Michael on piano/vocals, joined by Dwight Bailey on bass/vocals (Columbus, OH), Reggie Jackson on drums/percussion (Columbus, OH), and alto saxophonist George Michael (New York, NY). The group plays jazz with a blend of contemporary textures such as funk, rock, singer/songwriter, blues, and gospel. A nontraditional and percussive approach to the keyboard, mixed with his vocals and interests in polytonality and improvisation, Shirtz’s quartet sound has developed strong Brubeckian and Previn-like influences. These influences have allowed MSQ to function as a revolving host to many musicians, even featuring the sounds of harmonica, cello, vibes, and violin. The quartet has provided Michael with a foundation for compositional ideas and unique arrangements working with such artists as Maureen McGovern, Ellen Winters, among others.

The Heidelberg Jazz Ensemble is under the direction of Scott Kretzer. Kretzer is a freelance percussionist and teacher in the Northwest Ohio/Southeastern Michigan area. He teaches applied percussion, world music, and directs the Jazz Ensemble at Heidelberg University. Scott also teaches applied percussion and percussion methods at Adrian College. Scott performs regularly with the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra, Carl Cafagna and North Star Jazz, The Sixth Edition, and the Murphy’s Place Jazz Orchestra. He has performed with many top jazz artists including Clark Terry, Delfayo Marsalis, David “Fathead Newman”, Shirley Jordan, and Jon Hendricks.