MICHAEL CRAWFORD

Music has always been a primary passion for Michael Crawford; even from the age of 2 he was crawling around on the organ pedals at home and grooving to jazz records…After a classical upbringing (clarinet and piano lessons right through his school years), Michael's musical interests diversified, and he took up saxophone and keyboard.

 

The allure of a musical career was too great, and after high school Michael went to study at the esteemed New Zealand School of Music, completing his Master of Musical Arts (majoring in Jazz Performance) degree in 2012.

During this time, Michael performed at many music festivals with some of the top jazz names in the world (including: Bob Sheppard, Clay Jenkins, Tom Warrington, Larry Koontz, Bill Cunliffe, Alex Sipiagin, Dick Oates, Steve Houghton).

 

He has won many national prizes for performance, arrangement, and compositions (including the New Zealand Tui Music Award for Best Jazz Album, 1st place in the Christchurch International Jazz Festival Original Jazz Arrangement Competition, New Zealand Rotary Club Prize etc.).

 

He is also an accomplished teacher, with experience teaching in a variety of settings up to a very high standard; including creating the entire course material for a university music paper, teaching every subject offered in a regular secondary schools Jazz programme, adjudicating and running workshops for secondary schools jazz festivals and competitions, and preparing and delivering lectures up to 2nd year university level.

 

Since 2012 Michael has been working as a “hired gun” and musical director on the on the international scene, working in many different countries, idioms and musical settings (including 5 star hotels, 6 star luxury cruise ships, award winning nightclubs, along with private functions, weddings, ferries, etc.).

 

Although jazz was the primary focus of his studies, Michael’s diverse experiences allow him to be equally comfortable playing pop, rock, latin, soul, funk, blues, etc.

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With a plethora of diverse musical skills and abilities, Michael continues to pursue musical excellence, seek new challenges and take advantage of exciting opportunities to learn, travel and grow as a musician.

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2018

Dr Mia Club (Shenyang, China) : Completed 6 month contract (3 sets, 6 nights a week) in Dr Mia club with party band “Atomic Milkshake” playing keyboard, synth bass, and saxophone

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2017

Carnival Cruise Line (Carnival Sunshine) : Completed 6 month contract (4 sets, 7 nights a week) on cruise ship Carnival Sunshine with party band “Broken Taillights” playing keyboard, saxophone and backing vocals

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2016

Crystal Cruises (Crystal Symphony) : Completed 1 month contract (5/6 sets a night, 7 nights a week) on 6 star luxury cruise ship Crystal Symphony with trio "Resonate" playing keyboard, left-hand keyboard bass, saxophone and backing vocals

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Seabourn Cruises (Seabourn Sojourn) : Completed 4 month contract (4 sets a night, 7 nights a week) on 6 star luxury cruise ship Seabourn Sojourn with trio "Resonate" playing keyboard, left-hand keyboard bass, saxophone and backing vocals

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2015

Ibrida Club Bahrain : Completed 3 month contract (4 sets a night, 6 nights a week) in Ibrida Club Bahrain (5 star Ramee Grand hotel) with 7 piece party band "Locked Down" playing keyboard, saxophone and backing vocals

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Rock Bottom Club Tecom Dubai : Completed 4 month contract (3 sets a night, 6 nights a week) in Rock Bottom Club Tecom Dubai with 7 piece party band "Locked Down" playing keyboard, saxophone and backing vocals

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Pure Colour Club (Shenyang, China) : Completed 6 month contract (3 sets a night, 6 nights a week) in Pure Colour Club with 7 piece party band "Flex" playing keyboard, saxophone and backing vocals

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2014

P&O Cruises (Aurora) : Completed 3 week contract (4 sets a night, 7 nights a week) on cruise ship P&O Aurora with 5 piece party band "Spectrum" playing keyboard, saxophone and backing vocals

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Princess Cruises (Royal Princess) : Completed 4 month contract (4 sets a night, 7 nights a week) on cruise ship Royal Princess with 5 piece party band "Spectrum" playing keyboard, saxophone and backing vocals

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DFDS (Crown Ferry) : Completed 5 week contract (6 sets a night) on DFDS Crown Ferry with 5 piece party band "Spectrum" playing keyboard, saxophone and backing vocals

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2013

Rock Bottom Club Abu Dhabi : Completed 3 month contract (4 sets, 6 nights a week) in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Rock Bottom Café), playing keyboard, sax and backing vocals in pop/rock covers band “The Tuxedos”

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TianQue Club : Completed 3 month contract (3 sets, 7 nights a week) in Xi’an, China (Tianque Club), playing keyboard in pop/rock/jazz band “Funk Factory”

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Xintendi Club : Completed 1 month contract (3 sets, 6 nights a week) in Lanzhou, China (Xintendi Club), playing keyboard and backing vocals in pop/rock/jazz duo

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2012

Rock Bottom Club Bur Dubai : Completed 8 month contract (3 sets, 6 nights a week) in Dubai (Bur Dubai Rock Bottom Café), playing keyboard, sax and backing vocals in pop/rock covers band “The Tuxedos”