A native of Zurich, Switzerland, Michael Vitali hit the New York music scene in 2002, shortly after graduating from Berklee College of Music. Though he arrived with little more than a change of clothes, a drum set and a voracious appetite for music, Michael immediately impressed his audiences and peers with his innate sensitivity and dynamism.
The appropriately named Vitali maintains an astonishing performance schedule, with appearances in New York’s most popular venues including Fat Cat, Smoke, Cleopatra’s Needle, The Metropolitan Room and Bar Next Door. Michael has toured throughout the US and Europe, he has recorded on several albums and performed live on WKCR.
Steeped in jazz tradition, Michael is also known for his versatility. He is continuously exploring the breadth of musical offerings and showing off the distinct colors of his palette in many corners of the city. Michael has made his mark in the Haitian music community, recording and performing with Monvelyno Alexis, Alegba and Friends and Buyu Ambroise. He has collaborated with Irka Mateo of the Dominican Republic, toured with Madagascar’s B-Tropical and performed in New York City’s foremost World Music venues such as SOBs, Nublu and La Caye. He is featured on Nigerian singer/songwriter Lorens Chuno's soon to be released album Rhythm Sustained. Michael is also active on the rock scene. He has played at The Bitter End, Arlene's Grocery and the late CBGBs with Irish singer/songwriter Scott Maher and toured the east coast with Squeeze Rock, an accordion driven hip-hop/rock band. A 2017 highlight was a performance with Xavier Cardriche at the Prospect Park Bandshell.
In addition to leading his own groups, Michael has worked with Lionel Loueke, Ed Cherry, Eve Cornelious, Rick Margitza, Sebastian Noelle, Dayna Stephans, Melissa Aldana and many other jazz greats.
