WEST MILFORD — The Edward Michaels Trio released a new original jazz EP entitled "Hook, Line, & Sinker" this week.
The Edward Michaels Trio is made up of musicians Edward Michaels, Ron Naspo, and Bob Nitkin, with Lori Malvey on vocals.
Michaels plays piano and has performed with Tony Orlando, Frankie Lane, and famous jazz bassists Ben Tucker and Joe Cinderella. He was the keyboardist for The Coasters, a rock group from the 1950s and 60s, that performed hits "Charlie Brown" and "Poison Ivy." Michaels also has had the privilege of playing with George Benson.
Nitkin, the drummer, works with many freelance musicians in New Jersey. He has judged for the annual Guitar Center Drum-Off, and belongs to the Garfield Cadets Alumni Corps. He is endorsed by the DC California Soultone Cymbals and was a member of the big band "Moonlight on the Poconos."
Naspo, a bassist, is a retired professor at Montclair State University and William Paterson University. He is a mentor with the Sussex County Youth Orchestra and has worked with a host of well-known jazz musicians including Stan Kenton, Sonny Rollins, Bucky Pizzarelli, Johnny Hartman, Wild Bill Davison, and Billy Maxted. Naspo also worked with symphonic orchestras. He was previously with the Don Shirley trio.
Malvey is the featured female jazz vocalist. She has sung avant-garde jazz-rock fusion, pop and standard jazz songs. She is a songwriter and has written and produced her first solo album called "Heaven Rising." She performs extensively throughout the metropolitan area's club scene, including such venues as CBGB's, Kenny's Castaways, The Bitter End and The Lions Club.
Also appearing on the CD is Santo Renda, a guest guitarist for the production. Renda had his own band, Sandy and the Wanderers, and co-wrote a book with Cinderella "Chord Melody Playing for the Guitarist Musician."
This EP has four original songs, all written by Michaels. It is available for purchase on CD and downloads from CD Baby, iTunes and Rhapsody.
For more information on the trio and the CD, go to edwardmichaelstrio.com or find them on Facebook. Email Michaels at info@edwardmichaelstrio.com.