Bio

Carl Michel started playing music at an early age, beginning with cornet in school band.  In high school, he switched to guitar and was inspired by many rock and blues guitarists.  Later, his interests shifted towards jazz and he eventually went to Berklee College of Music (1977-1979).  In 1980, he moved to Austin, TX and became a co-director of “The Creative Opportunity Orchestra”, a large ensemble dedicated to performing new compositions, with vocalist Tina Marsh.  In 1983, he moved to Madison, WI, where he was actively involved with the Madison Music Collective.  Carl has received two Emmy awards for Music Composition/Arrangement from The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences-Lower Great Lakes Chapter, one in 2004 and one in 2008, for his work on the documentary “Dark & Shadow, The Mystery of Beverly Potts” and the series “Doris O’Donnell’s Cleveland.” In 1990, The Carl Michel Trio recording, “Food Of Love,” was selected as Editor’s Choice: New Releases, by Cadence Magazine. He currently lives in Austin, TX