Mike Melvoin

Because he’s based in LA and spent some time working extensively in the studios, pianist Mike Melvoin hasn’t yet gained the popularity that he deserves for his impressive technique and strong jazz improvising skills. He started playing piano when he was three but graduated from Dartmouth in 1959 having a level in English. Nevertheless, Melvoin soon thought we would turn into a professional musician. He relocated to LA in 1961 and caused many top Western Coastline players and performers including Frank Rosolino, Leroy Vinnegar, Gerald Wilson, Paul Horn, Terry Gibbs, Joe Williams, Peggy Lee and many more. Although occupied in the studios, Melvoin documented for Concord in the middle-’70s (with Plant Ellis and Plas Johnson), spent some time working sometimes in L.A. region clubs and frequently groups up with vocalist Expenses Henderson. Melvoin led two albums for Liberty in 1966 and one for Discwasher in 1979.