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Michael Hudson-Casanova
Originally from Detroit, Michael Hudson-Casanova is an alto saxophonist, composer, and improviser who has lived in Chicago since 2021. His debut album, Echoes of Thought, is “…an exceptional record by a killer band,” -All About Jazz. His music blends traditional and contemporary jazz concepts and consistently leaves plenty of room for dynamic improvisation with carefully chosen bandmates.
Hudson-Casanova has received awards, scholarships, and grants for his music, including individual artist grants from Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. In 2022, he was featured as a soloist with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for their production of “Charlie Parker: With Strings.”
Hudson-Casanova has appeared at venues across the United States as a leader and sideman including Chris’ Jazz Cafe, South Jazz Kitchen, Cliff Bell’s, Silvana, The Green Mill, Cafe CODA, Elastic Arts, and more. He has toured extensively throughout the midwest and east coast with his own bands.
Awards
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Individual Artist Grant
Illinois Arts Council Agency Individual Artist Program Grant
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Michael Hudson-Casanova: Animus
by Hrayr Attarian
On his second release as a leader, the captivating Animus, saxophonist Michael Hudson-Casanova leads his trio on a cohesive set of eight of his originals. The contemplative, moving music is complex and nuanced, inventive and accessible. Hudson-Casanova, who has already demonstrated his superb compositional skills on his debut, goes further on the current album, creating a unique blend of a haunting ambience and provocative substance. Guitarist Erik Skov begins the title track with reverberating vamps which bounce off ...
Continue ReadingMichael Hudson-Casanova: Echoes of Thought
by Richard J Salvucci
Art Blakey would always open with a theme. Over the years, the theme changed, just as did Bu and his musicians. But the context was always the same. “Pay attention, y'all. This is Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers." If a listener is old enough to remember that moment, and willing to make due allowance for a Philly band “in the tradition," well, there you are. “Spin the Context" starts us. “The Old Days, Whenever They Were," is right on ...
Continue ReadingElliot Bild & the Zone: ISMS
by Nicholas F. Mondello
A textural and improvisational tour de force from Elliot Bild and the Zone, ISMS, recorded live, consists of ten selections—nine of which are Bild originals—and offers up an evening of intelligent and enlightening jazz. “Army of Aliens (Your Thoughts)" opens the set and is a classic hard-bop burner with Bild and saxophonist Hudson-Casanova lifting off the launch pad. “Lines and Dots" is a tasty bossa with an angular melodic head reminiscent of Oliver Nelson's symmetrical melodic patterns.
Continue ReadingChicago Saxophonist Michael Hudson-Casanova Releases 'Heyman 2' On Each And Only
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Michael Hudson-Casanova
Led by Chicago saxophonist and composer Michael Hudson-Casanova, Heyman presents its sophomore release as an ensemble. The quartet continues to explore the jazz repertoire from exciting new angles in this 8-track record, with five new compositions from Hudson-Casanova and three from the band’s guitarist, Mike Lorenz. This album is a studio documentation of the music played on their May 2025 tour. Heyman’s immense dynamic range is evident from the first track, “Ladybug," which also features the variety of grooves and ...
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Chicago-Based Saxphonist Michael Hudson-Casanova Releases 'Animus'
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Michael Hudson-Casanova
Saxophonist Michael Hudson-Casanova is releasing his sophomore album with his first Chicago-based band on March 2, 2023. The release show will take place at Hungry Brain Chicago (2319 W. Belmont Ave) on March 3rd. Animus will be available on digital, CD, and limited edition vinyl formats. Hudson-Casanova composed an entirely new book of music for his trio with drummer Gustavo Cortiñas and guitarist Erik Skov. Both of these Chicago jazz veterans have their own unique projects and bring a large ...
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“…a mature composer, a democratic bandleader… as well as an innovative improviser.” - All About Jazz
Primary Instrument
Saxophone
Location
Chicago
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Edward Simon
piano
Sonny Rollins
saxophone
Wayne Shorter
saxophone
David Binney
saxophone
John Coltrane
saxophone
Joe Henderson
saxophone
Lee Konitz
saxophone, alto
Kenny Wheeler
flugelhornPhotos
Music
Kind Folk
From: Altus: Animus LiveBy Michael Hudson-Casanova
What If Everything Is Not Enough
From: AnimusBy Michael Hudson-Casanova
K.W.
From: Echoes of ThoughtBy Michael Hudson-Casanova
Parallels of Latitude
From: ISMSBy Michael Hudson-Casanova
