Michael Drange grew up in Morgantown, West
Virginia, where he began playing the piano at the
tender age of five. Five years later he picked up the
saxophone, and soon after, started playing in his first
rock band. Those early years playing the music of
Billy Joel, Elton John and the Doobie Brothers gave
Michael his roots in pop-rock. Now as a
singer-songwriter, Michael fuses those early
influences with elements of soul, country and jazz to
create a singular style.
Michael keeps busy writing songs, composing and
performing in Southern California. He has been
performing throughout the 90s at area
coffee-houses, parties, restaurants and night clubs.
He performs as a solo artist, as well as with two
bands, Free Jam and Reminisce. He has also
performed at nationally sponsored events such as
Budweisers War On The Water.
In 1992, Michael released his self produced, ten song
debut album On The Other Side on the DIBO
Record label. While continuing to perform, Michael
composed two scores (Can You Keep A Secret and
Knuckle Sandwich) for films by Rug Productions.
Michaels latest project was a single release (January
98) for Treasure Coast Records. The song entitled
Helpless In Your Arms , which was written and sung
by Michael, was recorded with the band Free Jam.
Free Jam includes Ronnie Triebels on guitar and
vocals, Robert Melendez on bass and Zeke Sandoval
on drums. Michael also plays piano and keyboard on
the track. While in the studio, the band also recorded
another track entitled Shes Gone. Michael is
presently working with DIBO Records in order to
release these two songs as well as several other
recently recorded original songs.
Michael studied saxophone with Jeff Benedict at
California State University, Los Angeles, and voice
with Dini Clarke. He is presently working on a
Masters Degree in Commercial Music at Cal State
L.A. as well as his Secondary Teaching Credential in
Music, while teaching music at Garvey Intermediate
School in Rosemead, CA.
