MICHAEL'S STORY

No sophomore slump for contemporary jazz-pop artist Michael J. Thomas, who released his second album, “Driven,” on Thomas’ Harbor Breeze Records imprint. The ten-song set burst out of the gate jolted by a wave of national airplay for the first single, “Baby Coffee,” earning Billboard most-added honors in its debut week, rising all the way to #1, followed by an add at SiriusXM’s Watercolors, leading the saxophonist-vocalist to sign a distribution deal for the project with Perry Music Group/Sony Music. Baby Coffee charted #1 on three charts including Billboard, USA Today (Mediabase), and Smooth Jazz Top 20 with Allen Kepler.

It’s been seven years since Thomas issued his instrumental debut album, “City Beat,” and six years since he made his vocal debut with the infectious standalone single “I Think About Amy,” which peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard chart after a remix by two-time GRAMMY® winning music producer Paul Brown. Brown has worked with musical giants Luther Vandross, George Benson, and Al Jarreau. Thomas' original song, "Amante Del Vino," from his album, "City Beat," is weaved into the plot of the movie, Contagion, starring Hollywood A-listers Matt Damon, Gweneth Paltrow, and Kate Winslet. In September 2011, he hit tinsel town again to team up with Paul Brown. The dynamic pair produced a song Michael co-wrote with Destin musician Shannon Wallace entitled, "Without You," featuring vocalist Wendy Moten who has recorded duos with jazz heavyweights such as Michael McDonald and Peabo Bryson.

Michael J. Thomas grew up in Cecilia, Kentucky, a small town outside of Elizabethtown, surrounded by country music, which easily could have become his muse. Instead, his parents reared him on a steady diet of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Thus the saxophonist, vocalist, and songwriter learned how to write potent pop hooks set amidst funky and soulful R&B grooves.

Initially Thomas studied piano at the age of seven and didn’t pick up the saxophone until seventh grade. Early in high school, he suffered a setback when rejected by the high school band students because he didn’t play proficiently enough. Undeterred, Thomas committed himself to mastering the instrument. By his senior year, he redeemed himself by winning talent shows, performing in the All-State Jazz Band, and was honored with a John Philip Sousa Award. He earned a music scholarship to the University of Kentucky, but left school early to pursue a career as a performer. Thomas was 19 when he joined the Jive Rockets, which opened for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, and Bill Haley’s Original Comets. After moving to Destin, Florida Thomas began cultivating a following by performing at local venues, private shows, festivals and concerts. He's shared the stage multiple times at the Sea Breeze Jazz Festival with luminaries including Dave Koz, Richard Elliot, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Rick Braun, Joyce Cooling, Steve Cole, Euge Groove, Mindi Abair, and Nick Colionne.