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A versatile composer, arranger, instrumentalist and bandleader, MIKE CROTTY and his music can be heard in a great variety of forums around the world. Upon graduating from Boston's Berklee College of Music in 1972 with a degree in musical compositon, Crotty was pursued by the U. S. Air Force to become the composer and arranger for its legendary 18-piece jazz ensemble, the Airmen of Note. While serving in this capacity, Crotty produced many of the band's recordings and became widely recognized as one of the premiere composer/arrangers in the jazz field today. For the past 35 years, Crotty has written for ensembles of every imaginable size--from small group to symphony orchestra. He has written for some of the most famous names in jazz including Mel Lewis, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, Dr. Billy Taylor, Stanley Turrentine, Bunky Green, Ernie Watts, Claudio Roditi, Diane Schuur, Phil Wilson, Randy Brecker and Bob Berg. The 1995 Smithsonian Collection, Big Band Renaissance: The Evolution of the Jazz Orchestra, includes Crotty's unusaul piece, Noel. Dizzy Gillespie commissioned Crotty to arrange the music for a special performance with the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1987. Gillespie later recorded this music as The Symphony Sessions. That same year, he called on Crotty again for music and to play in the band for his star-studded, 70th birthday celebration at Woltrap Park in Virginia. In 1994, Crotty composed a sound piece entitled Common Ground for symphony orchestra, 18-piece jazz ensemble and trumpet soloist, Allan Vizutti. It premiered to a packed house and standing ovation at George Mason Unviersity. Appearing as bandleader, composer, arranger and instrumentalist, he showcased his music for many years with his 18-piece Sunday Morning Jazz Band, an ensemble applauded for its compelling innovation, musical superiority and artistic integrity. Crotty has also orchestrated music for the nationally syndicated television show, National Georgraphic Explorer.
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