About Michael

A native of Los Angeles, Michael has been a gigging guitarist since age 15 and a guitar instructor from 1975-present. After high school Michael studied harmony and jazz improvisation at Pierce College, including lessons with jazz guitar legend Ron Anthony, and at the Dick Grove Music School in Los Angeles. Michael also served as guitar teacher from 1989-2019 at the James Monroe High Law-Government/Police Academy Magnet School in L.A., a Title 1 school serving economically disadvantaged students.

In addition to his work as a guitarist, composer and teacher, Michael has been a freelance music journalist. This included writing concert and album reviews and conducting artist interviews for newspapers and magazines, including JAZZIZ magazine and Simi Valley Enterprise (guitarists interviewed include Steve Morse of Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple, Robbie Krieger of The Doors, and Frank Gambale of Chick Corea Elektric Band), as well as writing artist/press bios for MCA Records’ jazz division. (Copies of articles available on request.)

MGP by the Michael Gam Project, a collection of eleven original guitar-driven instrumentals, is now available on CDBaby! Interpretations of various favorite cover tunes can be heard on Michael’s Soundcloud page, including those by his “soul-jazz” group Soul Purpose and featuring the vocals of highly versatile singer Lisa Vig.

CD Baby

Studio Work

Michael has recorded over 50 of his own compositions as well as choice cover tunes. (See Bruce Becker on Youtube for MGP songs with vocals; visit Michael’s Soundcloud page for cover tunes.) As a composer, his instrumentals cover a wide range of styles on both acoustic and electric instruments, from solo guitar to jazz, fusion and “World Music” styles that touch on Spanish, Celtic, and other influences.

Michael and renowned jazz guitarist David Becker cowrote music for the twisted psychological thriller play “Meat Dreams” by Michael Farkash.

Beyond composing, Michael also enjoys working with singer/songwriters and creating band arrangements and instrumental hooks for their demos and recordings. As a guitarist, Michael considers versatility to be his calling card.

Live Performances

A long-time performer in the Los Angeles area, Michael performed steadily with the groups Acme R&B and Soul Purpose, interpreting classic soul and R&B and featuring a roster of several highly-talented female singers, including Allison King, Shelly O’Neil and Lisa Vig.

Michael has also been playing with classic rock band TRAXX for the last several years.

The Michael Gam Project

The compositions on MGP—the Michael Gam Project began during the pandemic shutdown. With live performances halted, Michael began to focus on writing a batch of new instrumentals and then recording them with the help of Peter Boileau (bass player/bandmate from Soul Purpose). With Michael playing guitar and virtual instruments and Peter handling bass, drums and virtual instruments, the sessions were productive, and this recording releases the first eleven songs with more to come.

The collection is eclectic and includes jazz-leaning R&B; fusion; smooth jazz; samba; a Satriani-esque ballad; and a tribute to Django Reinhardt and Les Paul. Although there is soloing and improvisation, the emphasis is on instrumentals as songs, not on flights of technical indulgence.



"Sky Castle"

Inspired by early Pat Metheny Group records and features an ascending series of modulating Major 9 chords.



"In Hank's Shadow"

Refers to rock instrumental pioneers Hank Marvin and the Shadows. It is intended to sound like a harder, modern version of a Spaghetti Western theme.

Testimonials

"Michael is an honest and dependable musician with the chops to play anything he is required to perform, and he will do it with style and class. He would be a welcome addition to any musical project."

Jim Scimonetti Sr., sax for Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, This Ain‘t Your Daddy’s Big Band

"Michael Gam is an extremely versatile Guitarist/Composer. Not only is he a great player, but MG has a wealth of knowledge in the lineage of 20th - 21st century guitarists. Check him out!"

Bruce Becker, renowned drum educator and author, drummer for Barbara Dennerlein, David Becker Tribune

"As a fellow musician, I've always been aware of Michael’s exceptional prowess on the guitar. However, even more impressive to me has been his command of a wide range of musical styles. Over the years he has opened my ears to a lot of wonderful music I would have never been aware of otherwise. In other words, he is the complete musician."

Jerry Strull, guitarist for Just Imagine (John Lennon tribute), Sonic Boomers

"Michael was invaluable in helping me prepare for the studio performance segment of my PhD recital. The Studio Guitar part of my double major with Classical Guitar required me to record and perform music with improvisation. Michael arranged some jazz standards, coached me through improvising, and recorded and performed with me for USC staff, which included professor Scott Tennant of Los Angeles Guitar Quartet fame. Many thanks."

Dr. Thomas Foster, founder of Sound Sage musical therapy, Fretboard Zen