Mike is originally from Houston, Texas. He began his musical studies at the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. This school is well-known for producing musical luminaries such as Brian Michael Cox and Eric Harland. Kendrick Scott and Kendrick Smith are also alumni. Mike received a scholarship to New York University after he graduated. He was still pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts and began to gain the recognition he needed to be called upon to perform and tour with some of Jazz’s most respected names as well as rising stars on the way to establishing their careers. They have been a part of many diverse groups over the years including The Joshua Redman Elastic Band and Nicholas Payton Quartet. Mike has also recorded with many major artists from the Jazz genre. Three of these recordings were nominated to a Grammy. Q-Tip’s “The Renaissance”, and Geoffrey Keezzer’s “Aurea”, were both nominated in 2010 for Best Album in their respective categories. Eldar’s 2008 “Re-Imagination,” received the same nomination under the Jazz Category. Moreno’s discography includes many artists like Bilal, Jeremy Pelt and Robert Glasper as well as Myron Walden (Sam Yahel), Ralph Bowen (Marcus Strickland), Yosvany Terry, Frank Locrasto. Leonardo Cioglia and Kendrick Scott. Mike is a leading voice in today’s new generation of Jazz guitarists. He has toured extensively, recorded with his own band and received high critical acclaim for his original music. Nate Chinen’s 2007 JazzTimes article “The Gig”, explains that there are many guitarists who strive for a modern ideal but none with the exact coordinates Mike Moreno has mapped. Mike’s debut album, “Between The Lines”, was released by World Culture Music in 2007. Nate Chinen named it one of the top 10 Jazz albums of 2007. His second and third albums, “Third Wish”, (2008) and “First In Mind,” (2011) were recorded for European Jazz label Criss Cross Records. World Culture Music released his most recent album, “Another Way”, in March 2012. It was one of the 25 “Best of 2012” Jazz Releases on iTunes. From www.mikemoreno.com
