An imaginative pianist and unique composer, Mike Holober is emerging as one of the freshest voices in jazz. International credits include a recent tour as guest composer, conductor and soloist with the world-renowned Stockholm Jazz Orchestra. With his reputation in Europe steadily growing, the R.I.A.S. Big Band in Berlin regularly programs Mike Holober’s compositions and he has recently been invited to Helsinki as a guest composer and pianist with UMO, the National Jazz Radio Orchestra of Finland.
A busy sideman on the New York jazz scene, Mike Holober’s recordings include Pete McGuiness’ Sliding In, with Dave Liebman on saxophone; Chuck Bergeron’s Cause and Effect, with John Abercrombie on guitar and Coast to Coast, with Randy Brecker on trumpet; Charles Pillow’s In This World, with Peter Erskine on drums and Currents, with Tim Hagans on trumpet; and Davie Pietro’s Now Becoming Then, with Brian Blade on drums. Recordings with Grammy award-winning saxophonist Nick Brignola include First Set: Live at Sweet Basil and the critically acclaimed It’s Time. A regular performer at New York’s premiere jazz venues, Mike Holober has worked with the legendary Village Vanguard Orchestra and Joe Roccisano Nonet.
Mike Holober’s big band project, The Gotham Jazz Orchestra recording Thought Trains, features Ron Carter on bass and John Riley on drums along with an all-star line up which includes Jon Gordon, Scott Wendholt, Tim Ries, Dave Pietro, Joe Magnarelli, and Dave Gilmore.
Active as a composer in the contemporary classical idiom, Mike Holober’s recently commissioned works include “Views From A Train” for the American Saxophone Quartet’s recent release The Commission Project (Sons of Sound). The ASQ is comprised of members of the New York Philharmonic, and the work features Larry Combs, principal clarinetist with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. “Road Trip,” for alto saxophone and wind ensemble, was premiered by New York Philharmonic saxophonist David Demsey. “Toccata,” for flute and marimba, was commissioned by flutist Karen Demsey for her recent release with percussionist Greg Gianascioli: Recollections From the Inland Sea (Capstone).
Additionally, Mike Holober’s arrangements and compositions have been performed and/or recorded by The Village Vanguard Orchestra, the BMI Jazz Composer’s Orchestra with Joe Lovano, The NewYorkestra, The Eastman Arranger’s Festival Orchestra, Prism Saxophone Quartet, student groups such as The Eastman Jazz Ensemble, and groups such as The New York Trombone Conspiracy, The Brass Arts Collective and the Andy Parsons/Gene Lewin Quintet.
An active educator, Mike Holober is an Assistant Professor at the City College of New York, and he is on the faculty at New York University. Other current teaching activities include Outreach, the Summer Jazz Workshop at Schwaz, Austria.