653. From Tower of Power to a power greater than himself virtuoso musician Mike Bogart shares his melodic spiritual awakening.

  Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Michael Bogart has deep musical roots which spread through many boundaries as well as a career in music spanning decades.   Known primarily for his trumpet and trombone playing, he played the jazz trumpet chair (and conch shell) with the legendary Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau Big Band in the late 990's.   From 2000-2009 Michael was the lead trumpet, trombonist and background vocalist for soul super group Tower of Power and can be heard on several of their albums, including the critically acclaimed 40th Anniversary: The Fillmore Auditorium.   He has also recorded with artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Puff Daddy, and his mothers' favorite, Neil Diamond.   After taking a break from touring and recording to retire from the United States Navy, focus on his spiritual path and study jazz at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London, Michael has been busy composing and recording his own music.   His music is an earthy blend of soul influenced-straight ahead jazz and Hasidic Jewish nigunim (melodies). As well as being a Jewish Mensch.