Michael Pallas is based in New York City and has been performing professionally as a musician for over 15 years. Upon arriving in the metropolitan area, he began to focus his career in Latin music. Today he can be seen on stage performing frequently with Abdullah Ibrahim, Antibalas, Soul Science Lab, and The Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra.
MICHAEL
PALLAS
Michael Pallas is based in New York City and has been performing professionally as a musician for over 15 years. Upon arriving in the metropolitan area, he began to focus his career in Latin music. Today he can be seen on stage performing frequently with Antibalas, Tito Rodriguez Jr, Soul Science Lab, and The Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Born in California and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Pallas has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Noteworthy venues include The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Opera de Lyon, The Blue Note, BB King's, New Morning (Paris), and Paradiso (Amsterdam).
Known for his clear tone and melodic improvisation, Pallas earned his Bachelor of Music from the Jackie McLean Institute at The Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut ('13) and a Master of Music from New Jersey City University ('22) . While in Hartford, he studied with prolific master trombonist Steve Davis, bassist Nat Reeves, and African American Music History with Rene McLean.
As a musician with heritage in the Dominican Republic, Pallas emerged on the New York Salsa scene in late 2015 as a sideman appearing alongside notable musicians and artists such as Eddie Palmieri, Tito Rodriguez Jr., Victor Wail, Alex Matos, Tito Rojas, Luisito and Roberto Quintero, and Gilberto Pulpo Colon.
While the New York City Latin music scene embraces his talents enthusiastically, Michael has been honored to share the stage with premier jazz musicians as well, including, Abdullah Ibrahim, Al Foster, Rene McLean, Steve Davis, The George G Orchestra, and The Cotton Club Orchestra.
In addition, Michael is the recipient of several awards and recognitions for his musicianship. Some of the these include the Gary Carney award presented by Young Sounds of Arizona ('10), Ravinia Steans Music Fellowship for Jazz Composition ('15), The Mocolo Crystal for Band of the Year "Son Del Monte" presented by Taino Nation Entertainment ('18), and a Presidential Scholarship awarded by New Jersey City University to receive an M.M. degree in Jazz Studies ('20).
Michael's expertise is not limited to live performance. He also has worked as a music theory instructor with gifted youth musicians in White Plains, NY at the Music Conservatory of Westchester. Along with being an educator, he has been tapped for his skills as a music producer given his knowledge and expertise with recording, music technology and the fundamentals of music. Finally, Pallas has also been commissioned several times to complete arrangements and transcriptions for several bands and ensembles.
Michael Pallas is currently working towards releasing his debut album "Gateway" featuring his own compositions, arrangements, and productions in Summer 2024.
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