Michael Martini characterizes the artistry of the great crooners of the 20th century. Raised just outside Cleveland, Michael was put in piano lessons at the ripe old age of three. He started playing accordion at age 10, as any good Clevelander of eastern European descent should. Through high school, he sang in choirs and with jazz band, while trying to play college golf. That didn’t quite happen, and he was encouraged by a teacher to study jazz at CCM.
When he arrived in Cincinnati, his skepticism towards a career in music arose, but he stuck with his studies and grew into a lyrical jazz singer and all-around musician. Throughout his time in college, he has worked as a choral singer and has played in both CCM jazz orchestras, Lab Band and Jazz Orchestra. As a singer, his desire is to bring the audience along on a journey into the rich history of the jazz vocal tradition, drawing on the influence of Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Hartman, Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams, and many others. His great appreciation for the tradition and the richness of the artform lead to intimate performances and emotional interpretations of the standards, and some originals. His scat singing is dynamic, and has been described as on par with the instrumentalists he works around. Now in Cincinnati, he brings the Midwest charm and marries it to the beauty of the history of jazz singers. His life reflects an eager willingness to learn more about music, to become the best singer he can, and bring audiences into a special, romantic place.
Through CCM, he was connected with the Media Production department, in which he helped Co-Produce a documentary about starting a jazz ensemble, and took part in the CCM Lighting and Design program's Idea Lab, a multimedia event centered around creating interesting production techniques and visuals to connect artists and designers. This Project is linked in the music page.
His rich baritone (and tenor on occasion) can currently be heard every Sunday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, and will be out in Cincinnati singing around town in the coming months.