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Michael Pagán

Michael Pagán was born in Ravenna, Ohio. He was raised in a musical family and received his first piano instruction from his parents. He remembers hearing recordings of Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Miles Davis, as well as Beethoven, at an early age. At Kent State University he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with emphases in piano/choral music and a Master of Arts in composition, where his teachers were James Waters, Thomas Janson, and Frank Wiley. He was a music theory student of Hugh A. Glauser, after whom the school is presently named. Mike played piano in the new music ensemble under the direction of Frank Wiley and the jazz ensemble under the direction of Chas Baker. His piano teachers included Toni Glauser, Lois Rova Ozanich, Robert Palmieri, and Olga Kuehl-White of the University of Akron. The piano playing and compositions of the late Pat Pace were also an influence. During those years Mike played jazz piano and bass throughout Northeast Ohio. He also played bass in the KSU Orchestra. He received his Doctor of Music degree in composition from Northwestern University, where his principle composition teachers were Lynden DeYoung, Alan Stout, and Steven Syverud. He played piano in the NU jazz and contemporary music ensembles, both directed by Don Owens and continued piano studies with Laurence Davis. While in Chicago he was named a “musician deserving wider recognition” by Downbeat magazine. As a jazz pianist he has performed for over 40 years throughout the United States and in Europe with many notable jazz musicians. Ensembles he has performed with as a soloist include the Ashland (OH) Symphony Orchestra, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, the Northshore Concert Band, and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra of Denver. In 2017 he was a jazz soloist with the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra and in 2019 with the Southeastern Louisiana University Jazz Ensemble. He has also played exteneded engagements aboard the historic steamboat Delta Queen on the Mississippi River, specializing in early as well as mainstream jazz. Since 2009 he has held an on-going Tuesday night solo engagement at Cafe Trio in Kansas City, MO.

Mike has produced an extensive list of compositions and arrangements, over 150 works, mostly in the jazz idiom. He has apeared on twenty-five CDs as a leader or supporting artist and has received numerous awards for his writing, including First Prize, New Music for Young Ensembles composers competition, which included a Carnegie Hall premiere. He has been commissioned by the American Jazz Museum, the Michigan Music Teachers Association, the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, WLS-TV Channel 7, Chicago and high schools and colleges throughout the country. His big band CD Pag’s Groove received airplay and critical acclaim throughout the United States and in Europe, earning a 5-star review in the Irish Times of Dublin. His CD Three For The Ages featuring bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Ray DeMarchi garnered glowing reviews and enjoys worldwide play on the internet; his 12 Preludes and Fugues was recorded by the Colorado Saxophone Quartet and also received outstanding reviews.

Pagán has taught at Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS where he directed BRAVO!, the Ottawa University Jazz Singers and taught music theory, composition, arranging, and applied jazz and classical piano. He chaired the OUKS Music Department from 2016-19. Dr. Pagán has also served as Director of Marketing and Communications at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, and Assistant Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory. He has also been on the faculties at the University of Colorado at Boulder, the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and Olivet College. Michael Pagán has also led a distinguished career as a jazz ensemble/vocal jazz ensemble conductor and clinician. Under his directorship the BRAVO! Jazz Singers of Ottawa University garnered multiple outstanding performance awards and the UMKC Conservatory Concert Jazz Band was selected for performance at the Missouri Music Educators Association conference. He has directed/worked with honor jazz ensembles in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota, and Illinois. For five years he directed the Colorado Jazz Workshop Monday Night Band. In 2019 and '20 he was pianist for the Kansas Music Edicators Association Jazz Ensemble, which performed his music and in early 2021 he was featured as a big band composer/eader and solo jazz piano recitalist in two virtutal concerts at Johnson County Community College in Kansas. He continues to play the bass as a secondary instrument.

Awards

Articles:

Michael Pagán Crosses the Line Ronald E. Grames, Fanfare Magazine Vol. 34 No. 6

Cover/Feature Story by Roger Atkinson, Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors Magazine

Awards:

Certificate of Appreciation, Missouri Music Educators Association Conference

Certificate of Appreciation, Colorado Vocal Jazz Society

Pag’s Groove listed among: Top Ten Big Band recordings of 2005 by allaboutjazz.com

Top Twenty Jazz Recordings of 2005 by CHUO FM 89 Ottawa, Ontario

Top Twenty big band CDs of 2005 KBEM FM 88.5 Minneapolis, MN

Invitee, BMI Jazz Composers Workshop

Outstanding Service Award, International Association for Jazz Education

Distinguished Service for Presentation, Minnesota Music Educators Association

Musician Deserving Wider Recognition, Downbeat Magazine

First Prize, New Music For Young Ensembles Composers Competition, NYNY

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Christopher Burnett: The Standards, Vol. 2 (Live at The Drum Room in Kansas City)

Read "The Standards, Vol. 2 (Live at The Drum Room in Kansas City)" reviewed by Kyle Simpler

by Kyle Simpler
January 27, 2023

During its heyday, The Drum Room in The Hotel President was one of Kansas City's most popular jazz venues. Performers such as Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and Benny Goodman all played there. The Drum Room closed during the late seventies but was brought back to life a few years later and, between 2006 and 2007, The Christopher Burnett Quartet performed there on the first Saturday night of each month. That was Burnett's first outing as a bandleader and his tenure ...

Album Review

Michael Pagan, Bob Bowman, Brian Steever: The Ottawa Sessions

Read "The Ottawa Sessions" reviewed by Luigi Sforza

by Luigi Sforza
December 8, 2015

The Ottawa Session è un disco revivalistico, che si ispira chiaramente al bop, è dotato di un marcato senso dello swing e possiede il dono della leggerezza. Il trio responsabile del programma musicale -Michael Pagan al pianoforte, Bob Bowman al contrabbasso e Brian Steever alla batteria -ha il merito di immergere l'ascoltatore in una serie di atmosfere legate, per assonanza, al passato prossimo del jazz. Una lunga sequenza di coincidenze stilistiche -che vanno dal blues al medium ...

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Album Review

Michael Pagan Trio: Three for the Ages

Read "Three for the Ages" reviewed by Edward Blanco

by Edward Blanco
April 28, 2010

Pianist Michael Pagan is known as a prolific composer and arranger for small combos to big bands, and is currently Assistant Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. It is, however, his performance as a musician on Three for the Ages that stands out above his already impressive musical credentials. Adept at recording with big bands, and in a duet and solo formats, as well as small ensembles, Pagan's last trio recording was Tacitus Plus ...

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Album Review

Michael Pagan Big Band: Pag's Groove

Read "Pag's Groove" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone

by Michael P. Gladstone
November 2, 2005

For his second album on Capri, pianist/composer Michael Pagán leads his big band on eight selections that demonstrate his ability to add texture and harmonization to the arrangements. Other than the Ray Evans/Jay Livingston standard “Never Let Me Go," all of the tunes are originals.

Originally from Ohio and with a degree from Northwestern, Pagán was selected by Downbeat, while still a student, as a “Musician Deserving Wider Recognition." He has taught jazz composition and arranging at the ...

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Album Review

Michael Pagan Big Band: Pag's Groove

Read "Pag's Groove" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
October 17, 2005

Big bands dead? Far from it, my friend. In fact, so many spectacular new albums have been released this year that I may have to enlarge my Top Ten list to a Top Twenty. Here's another leading candidate for inclusion on anyone's honor roll, Pag's Groove, composer/arranger/pianist Michael Pagán's highly impressive big band debut on Capri Records, which continues on an upward curve set in motion last year with a trio of superb recordings by the Mark Masters Jazz Ensemble. ...

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Album Review

Michael Pagan Big Band: Pag's Groove

Read "Pag's Groove" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
September 16, 2005

The saxophones come prowling out, darkly, on “Essential Trivia," the opening track on Pag's Groove. Then the bass and vibes lighten the feeling, and the Michael Pagán Big Band starts the show off swinging. Gorgeous tones prevail, vivid colors splashing all over the charts. Composer/arranger/bandleader Michael Pagán's arrangements use a palette that includes all the colors, bright hues over grey washes, or twining, tapestry style, in and out of the deeper toned threads. It's hard to nail down his influences. ...

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Album Review

Michael Pagan Quintet: Is Waiting for You

Read "Is Waiting for You" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
November 1, 1998

Not at all what was foreseen, and so much for one’s preconceived notions. Knowing that Cadence Records has a tendency to veer toward the avant–garde, I suspected that this date by pianist Pagán’s quintet might answer to that description. Not so. I’ve checked and double–checked, and you can rest assured that Pagán delivers the whole package — melody, harmony and rhythm — in abundance. Beyond that, he is an eye–opening and ear–catching pianist, technically sound and conspicuously resourceful, who writes ...

On Twelve Preludes and Fugues

Michael Pagán’s Twelve Preludes and Fugues for Saxophone Quartet is a monumental addition to the saxophone quartet literature. A substantial, creative and compelling work; I believe that listeners and performers alike will find its blend of classical and jazz styles stimulating and profoundly rewarding. Tim Timmons, Professor Emeritus of Saxophone, UMKC Conservatory

Pagán’s mastery of contrapuntal sophistication is on full display here...by far, the most swinging chamber music I’ve ever heard.” Wayne E. Goins, Jazz Ambassador Magazine

On Twelve Preludes and Fugues

Michael Pagán’s Twelve Preludes and Fugues for Saxophone Quartet is a monumental addition to the saxophone quartet literature. A substantial, creative and compelling work; I believe that listeners and performers alike will find its blend of classical and jazz styles stimulating and profoundly rewarding. Tim Timmons, Professor Emeritus of Saxophone, UMKC Conservatory

Pagán’s mastery of contrapuntal sophistication is on full display here...by far, the most swinging chamber music I’ve ever heard.” Wayne E. Goins, Jazz Ambassador Magazine

. . . a showcase for Michael Pagán’s seemingly boundless eclecticism . . . Lucidculture.wordpress.com

I have never heard such magnificent music composed for a saxophone quartet. David J. Gibson, Editor, Saxophone Journal

On Three for the Ages

. . . a superior recording leaving little doubt that this pianist is a dynamic artist and musical force in today's jazz world. Edward Blanco, allaboutjazz.com

This is as masterful a piano trio effort as one can hear, anywhere, covering thoughtful ballads, midtempo swing, and the gorgeous original title track...Pagán delivers with clarity, reverence for melody, harmonic choices that reflect a broad emotional palette and luxurious spaces that allow each note to breathe fully. Bassist Bowman is a perfect foil and artful soloist throughout, drummer Ray DeMarchi a shimmering timekeeper. Andrea Canter, Jazzpolice.com

Piano heroes like Bill Evans, Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan and Alan Broadbent have laid the groundwork for the elegant, in-the-pocket pianist Michael Pagán. Like theirs, his approach is to find both the beauty and the swing in the music. And, like them, his trio is just that...a trio where each player makes a significant contribution...the arrival of Michael Pagán in the small circle of jazz pianists who listen first and then find their own voice. George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon

Blessed with a beautiful touch and a steady stream of ideas to match, Pagan makes music that is beautiful and honest with tradition firmly in hand...Pagán and his trio have created an organ of beauty that stands out in the crowded foyer of piano/bass/drums jazz trios, but more for its command of subtlety than its overt pyrotechnics. Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

On Pag’s Groove

Now comes Michael Pagán, whose recording unveils a writer of uncommon ability and perception...Who knew he could make a big band sound so marvelous?...Pag’s Groove is a stellar album from start to finish, and as concerns Pagán’s big-band writing and arranging skills, that cat is out of the bag for good. Jack Bowers, Cadence Magazine

A fine pianist, [Pagán] is also, as this exceptional example of swinging big band jazz proves, a hugely talented composer arranger...he has the ability to conjure up scintillating lines, fondness for artful counterpoint, great attention to detail and clarity of focus. Ray Comiskey, The Irish Times

With bold dynamics, Pagán has crafted an original and compelling big band sound...A start-to-finish fine big band outing. Dan McClenaghan, allaboutjazz.com

Michael Pagán is a musician/educator and an excellent mainstream jazz pianist who deserves a lot more renown . . . Special attention has to be paid to Lyric Interlude. It will grab you. The composition opens and closes as a bossa nova with eloquence . . . the core, however, is a majestic brass chorale. An inspired combination. . . Pag’s Groove is quality all the way. Bill Falconer, Jazzreview.com

As it turns out, KC managed to snare this gifted composer away . . . to the friendly confines of UMKC, where the already formidable Bobby Watson gets a chance to showcase Pagán’s talents as a pianist, arranger, and composer . . . Pag’s Groove will leave no doubt about how lucky UMKC is to have him as the latest addition to the family. Wayne Goins, Jazz Ambassador Magazine Director of Jazz Studies, Kansas State University

The music has an extra-ordinary quality of sounding very relaxed but at the same time, careful listening reveals a quality and depth that suggests that the album has been drawn from an exclusive archive of defining performances, in short there is a timeless quality about it . . . This is contemporary big band jazz at its most rewarding . . . a must have! John Kiloch, mainlybigbands.com

On Nobody Else But Me

Michael Pagán deserves recognition as a superior jazz pianist. Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

If Bach had played jazz, it might have sounded like this. Brad Weismann, Colorado Daily

An elegant classicist . . . Pagán flies solo with perfect assurance. Bill Gallo, Westword

Pagán’s melodic intelligence shines . . . simple and wonderfully effective. David Lewis, Cadence Magazine

On John Hines In the Pocket

Michael Pagán has a particularly light touch and his piano is the ideal companion for the leader’s trombone. Paul Donnelly, ejazznews.com

. . . and I can’t say enough about pianist Pagán’s part . . . when he gets his spot, things go to a level I didn't suspect existed. Dan McClenaghan, allaboutjazz.com

On Duo

This recording features the "Cadillac" of vibraphone and piano duo performance by Doug Walter and Michael Pagán...There are really no words to describe the magic of this duo’s ensemble precision...Duo should be on everyone’s "must buy" list. Lisa Rogers, Percussive Notes

On Is Waiting For You

He certainly knows the jazz tradition . . . the musicianship is excellent . . . and the leader (Pagán) has a very clean approach devoid of any clichés. Solid. Mark Ladson, Marge Hofacre’s Jazz News

Pagán is a fine pianist from a technical standpoint but he does not give in to garish display of his talents. The articulation of his lines, which move from blues to bop in a heartbeat, is impressive . . . Is Waiting for You is a subtle knockout. Richard B. Kamins, Cadence Magazine

He has a crisp touch and a very full piano style . . . there's excellent rapport between the pianist and the two rhythm men . . . a convincing debut for the group . . . John Chadwick, Jazz Journal

Pianist and composer Michael Pagán has a range as dramatic as the seasons’ changes outside his windows . . . this is one of the finest bop-oriented dates I've listened in on lately. Andrew Bartlett, Arts Midwest

Pagán delivers the whole package-melody, harmony and rhythm in abundance. Beyond that, he is an eye-opening and ear-catching pianist, technically sound and conspicuously resourceful. Jack Bowers, www.allaboutjazz.com

From Live Performances

Dynamite piano stylings . . . his performance was jazz- inspired through-and-through and the audience loved it.” Dominic Papatola, Duluth News-Tribune

Sophisticated piano work . . . Inside Chicago Magazine

. . . unmatched piano virtuosity . . . Michael’s keyboard skill is unbelievable . . . a memorable evening of superior jazz musicality. Ed Fenner, KC Jazz Voice LLC

On Impromptu, Chorale and Fugue

. . . bright, modest neoclassicism . . . played with energy and flair. Tim Page, The New York Times

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Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Kansas City

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Director of Jazz Studies, Olivet College; University of Minnesota Duluth; Interim Director of Jazz Studies, University of Colorado at Boulder; Assistant Director of Jazz Studies, University of Missouri Kansas City; Adjunct Professor of Jazz Piano, Ottawa University: Jazz Piano, Piano, Theory, Jazz Theory, Arranging, Composition, Combo, Director, BRAVO! (Jazz Singers)