ARTIST FELLOW SPOTLIGHT | Born in Toronto and raised in Buenos Aires, trumpeter and composer Michael Sarian has been praised for his “endlessly renewable strain of lyric improvisation” (DownBeat). Based in NYC since 2012, Sarian’s work bridges composition and improvisation, drawing increasingly on Armenian musical traditions alongside his deep grounding in jazz. His projects span acoustic ensembles, electronic groups, solo works, and graphic scores. His latest project, ESQUINA (Greenleaf Music), reflects his Armenian heritage and Argentine upbringing through layered textures, extended trumpet techniques, and immersive, ritual-inspired performances.
As a bandleader, he has released multiple albums, including Live at Cliff Bell’s, named one of the best live albums of 2024 by The New York City Jazz Record. He has also toured internationally with artists ranging from the Jonas Brothers to Bette Smith and The NYChillharmonic, and has performed at venues including the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, the Blue Note, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, as well as WNYC and NPR.
Michael will be performing at the club next Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 PM!
#nationalartsclub #NACartistfellows #jazz #jazzmusician
Hi Instagram, it’s been a while! Here’s a little update, including a jam packed trip to Montreal and Toronto to snag a green card and play some music at @tapestry_to + @wire.circus , give a composition/improv masterclass at @uoftjazz , live solo trumpet improvisation for @dreamborne_theater back home in NYC, quick trip to Mexico (nothing quick about the TSA line at JFK) and some other cool stuff.
Excited about warmer weather!
Spent some time recharging and reconnecting at @vacenterforthecreativearts last month, studying Armenian music, reading about kilim rugs, wandering the grounds and making sounds in silos. Grateful to everyone there for the space and inspiration - who knew they had @innout burgers in Virginia?!
NYC-based trumpter Michael Sarian's 'LIVE AT CLIFF BELL'S VOL. II' out now!
Captured in the intimate warmth of Detroit’s legendary Cliff Bell’s, this second volume follows 2024’s Live at Cliff Bell’s, drawn from the same night. Michael Sarian’s Quartet with Santiago Leibson, Marty Kenney, and Nathan Ellman-Bell delivers a fiery set at the close of their spring ’23 tour, weaving gritty swing, Armenian colors, and fearless improvisation into a vibrant document of four voices in dynamic conversation.
Michael Sarian - trumpet/flugelhorn
Santiago Leibson - piano
Marty Kenney - bass
Nathan Ellman-Bell - drums
Stream/Purchase at https://ffm.to/cliffbells_vol_ii
(linktree in bio...)
Great review from @thejazzweekly of Michael Sarian's upcoming live album, 'Live at Cliff Bell's Vol.II'!
Sarian's latest is out next Friday, 11/21, and preorders are shipping now! Pre-save the album and check out the singles at the Linktree in bio.
