Michael Malis Solo Piano at Edgefest

photo by Doug Coombe

Hey everyone,

I hope you’re having a happy and healthy fall. I’m just popping in to let you know that if you’re in Southeast Michigan, I’ll be playing a solo piano set at Edgefest — our local festival of experimental improvised music that’s really so much more than a local festival. Other artists on the festival include heavy hitters like Matthew Shipp, Angelica Sanchez, William Parker, and honestly too many others to name. I’m honored to be on the same stage as them. I’ll be sharing some new music, and I’m really looking forward to hearing some great music too.

I have a special relationship with Edgefest, both as a performer and an audience member. I’ve been lucky enough to share the Edgefest stage with some great artists, including Ken Filiano, William Hooker, and John Lindberg. And as an audience member, I’ve seen more mind-blowing performances than I can count. One that will always stick with me was seeing Muhal Richard Abrams, Roscoe Mitchell, and George Lewis. Some of the most beautiful, startling, and exhilarating music I’ve ever heard in my life.

Note: according to Kerrytown Concert House’s website, proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test is required of all patrons and artists, and masks will be required of audience members.

I’m playing on Thursday, October 28 at 7:00pm. Get your tickets for the day or the whole weekend here:

https://www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com/edgefest/

Imperfect Intervals Release Day!

Purchase on Bandcamp

Hi Everyone!

I’m so excited to be sharing with you my latest recording, Imperfect Intervals for piano solo. Consisting of nine pieces, this music is the most vulnerable I’ve ever been with a piano in front of me. I initially referred to these recordings as “Sound Diaries,” because that’s what they were: daily diary entries, documenting an emotional period of my life.

I’m sharing these intimate recordings with you because I adore this music. I hope you enjoy it too.

While you’re on the Bandcamp page, you can purchase the score, too. 38 pages of sheet music for solo piano, delivered as a PDF via email. It’s great for the pianist in your life, or as an additional way to support this project.

You can also stream the music on any streaming platform of your choosing — Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, or any other platform. Just go to your preferred platform and search “Michael Malis Imperfect Intervals.” Make sure to follow or subscribe to my channel when you’re there — it helps a lot.

Thanks again for your support! I hope you enjoy the music, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Gratefully,

- Michael

Imperfect Intervals: Preorder Now!

Hi Friends,

I’m so excited to share with you a new project I’ve been working hard on: Imperfect Intervals, available on August 6 from 1473 Records! You can preorder the album today on Bandcamp:

Here’s a preview of the music:

This collection consists of nine spacious solo piano performances, each through the same improvisational framework, but each very different from one another. Almost 90 minutes of music in total, all recorded during an inspired two weeks in October/November of 2020.

This release is digital only, but sheet music will be available on the day of release, August 6.

The recordings will also be available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Youtube, etc. You can presave it on Spotify here:

Thanks so much for your support. Reach out if you have any questions!

Sincerely,

Michael

Did a thing...

Hey friends,

Just popping in to let you know we did a thing. And by “did a thing” I mean “pour all of our hearts into the fertile soil of fresh, new music.” To be less cryptic: my new piece From Darkness We Awaken is now recorded! Featuring myself on prepared piano alongside Virago, produced by Ben Willis.

Left to right: Wesley Hornpetrie (cello), BethAnn Kunert (alto saxophone), Meg Rohrer (violin), Michael Malis (piano), Ben Willis (producer), Sofia Carbnara (percussion). Photo credit: Doug Coombe

A lot needs to happen before this music is ready to be shared — mixing, mastering, figuring out a plan for distribution, etc. Other projects are in the queue to be released before this one. But I’m still high on the time I just spent in the studio recording this very special piece of music with these very special musicians. And I wanted to let you know about it while it’s still fresh.

Thanks for your support. I can’t wait to share this one with you.

Best,

- Michael

Bright Moments

Hi Friends,

I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy! I’ve been keeping quiet, but staying extremely busy. Here area some of the exciting musical things that have been happening in my world recently:

From Darkness We Awaken

Last fall, I was commissioned to compose a new piece for Virago, an amazing chamber/improvising/beyond description ensemble. The result of that was From Darkness We Awaken, for myself on piano plus their ensemble. We just started rehearsing together last week, and we are recording the piece in early June. I’m so excited for this project I can barely contain myself. They are making my music sound so incredible. I can’t wait to share this project with you! I’m shooting for it to be out in December of this year.

If you’re looking to support this project, please get in touch!

Virago and I in our first rehearsal of From Darkness We Awaken

Other happenings

I’m still taking performing slow this summer (although I do have a few small things booked… more on that later) but I’m gearing up for a very busy Fall 2021. In August, I’ll be releasing a new solo piano set, Imperfect Intervals, on 1473 Records. The recordings will be available as a digital download and on streaming platforms, and the sheet music will also be available for purchase.

And later in the Fall, Balance will be releasing our second album, tentatively titled Conjure, on Two Rooms Records. That will be pressed to vinyl, and features myself and Marcus Elliot, as well as guest appearances by Gerald Cleaver and Chase Morris.

I’ll keep you all updated on these exciting projects, and other happenings, as the summer progresses. For now, stay healthy and I can’t wait to share space with you again!

Best Wishes,
- Michael