Michael Bisio

Michael Bisio
Kingston, NY
Grant amount: $2,615

About the Artist

Michael Bisio has been called a poet, a wonder and one of the most virtuostic and imaginative performers on the double bass. He has over a one hundred thirty recordings in his discography, more than two dozen as leader or co-leader as well as a dozen more documenting his extraordinary association with piano icon Matthew Shipp.

Jazz Times describes Michael as a "performer who resonates with intelligence, emotional depth and probing virtuosity." Signal to Noise writes , "Bisio is one of the few musicians who has managed to meld this high concept of physicality with the soulful charge of jazz. His fiddle-high, scraped overtones create a tangled choir that is impossible to resist; his expressiveness with the bow is unmatched."

Michael has performed as a soloist throughout the US including Seattle, Washington DC, Nashville and NYC. He has also been a featured soloist at two International Society of Bassists Conventions 2017 Ithaca, NY and 2015 Fort Collins (Denver) CO.

Michael's current project solo release Inimitable (Mung Music) was released New Years Day 2022

"Bisio's playing exemplifies the physical and sensory aspects of the bass; it infiltrates the listener beyond the ears.” All About Jazz

It is one of the best ways to hear this remarkable bassist’s artistry. His tone is big, rich and full, his technique intricate and flawless. His knowledge of the jazz bass tradition is apparent. Yet he never hits the listener over the head with his abilities. The New York City Jazz Record

MBefore (Tao Forms) is Michael’s lates release as a leader (March25,2022) and features legends Karl Berger (vibes) Mat Maneri (viola) and Whit Dickey (Drums)

Michael has been recognized with nine project grants from various arts organizations, plus the prestigious Artist Trust Fellowship. In 2017 he was invited to be Master Artist in Residence at Atlantic Center for the Arts and is instructor of bass at Bennington College (2009 - present).

Michael has been a member of the Matthew Shipp Trio since 2009 performing throughout the Americas and Europe : Carnegie Hall, Newport Jazz Festival, Buenos Aries Jazz Festival, Am I Jazz ? Festival, Kiev, MoMA, The Vision Festival, NYC and Festival Sons D’hiver, Paris.