Royal is a traditional and eclectic musician in a world that treats music as a commodity. This means that his music draws from a variety elements and cultural inheritances, rather than re-creating them. The generating force is always felt. Royal could be considered a fusion musician in the more common sense of blending or uniting. He learned his skills by himself, but he began studying with Jacques Abram, a pianist at the University of South Florida. His music has evolved into an expressive, sensitive and eloquent simplicity, thanks to the influence of Bill Evans, Coltrane and Ravel. Royal has performed throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Many jazz musicians have collaborated with him, including Red Rodney and Mel Lewis, Clifford Jordan. Junnieh Booth, Junnieh booth, John La Porta. The Count Basie Orchestra. Larry Coryell. Emily Remler. Ira Sullivan. from http://michaelroyal.com
