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Miguel J. Gutierrez is an explosive and dynamic percussionist, who is equally well versed in a variety of styles. Miguel has studied with a number of noteworthy percussionists, including Normal Fickett, principle percussionist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Joe Cusatis of the Modern Drum Shop in New York City, Sonny Emory (formerly with Earth, Wind, and Fire), drummer extradonaire Johnny Rabb, and the late Art Blakey, of Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. In addition to this, he has attended Master Classes with Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito) from Cuba, Rick Latham, author of Advanced Funk studies & Contempory Drum set studies, Chad Wackerman (formerly of Frank Zappa), Billy Cobham, internationally acclaimed percussionist, and Jeff Hamilton (world renowned jazz drummer). Miguel is the owner and founder of Professional Drum and Percussion Studies in Detroit (www.prodrumstudies.com), and has taught drums and percussion for over 31 years in Metropolitan Detroit’s finest music stores. He is also a member of the Percussive Arts Society. Miguel has been an instructor with Meditation Outreach, instructing the visually impaired, and has also served as a faculty member at William Tyndale Christian College.

At age twenty-one, Miguel performed with the late, great jazz guitarist Grant Green, at the world famous Bakers Keyboard Lounge. Since that time, he has appeared with the trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, internationally known vocal group The Fifth Dimension, as well as numerous performances at both the Sands and Bali Hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He has performed with Motown vocal artist’s The Fabulous Falcons. Other luminaries he has performed with include world renowned fusion violinist Michel Urbaniak (vocalist for Count Basie), David Ruffin (on Warner Brothers label), and Detroit’s own vocalist extraordinaire, Aretha Franklin. Miguel was featured as percussionist for the theatre production of Perilous Times, starring Vickie Winans. He has also performed with Brazilian Trumpeter & Flugelhornist, Claudio Roditi, an integral member of Tito Puente’s group, as well as the late Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nations Orchestra. Miguel can be heard for percussion with world renowned vocalist Nancy Wilson (on Sony Record Label).

Along with performing and instructing, Miguel does studio sessions and drum/percussion clinics from elementary through professional levels, television and radio programs. He is the leader of his own Detroit based world rhythm jazz group “Truth”, which featured the late, great bassist Hubie Crawford (formerly with Earl Klugh). Truth has performed both nationally and internationally, including at the Montreaux Detroit, Pontiac, Idle Wild, Lansing Jazz Festival, and Flint Jazz Festivals. Earlier this year (2009), Miguel performed cajons, congas, drumset, talking drum, and djembe with mridantam percussionist Guruvayur Durai at Oakland University. Guruvayur Durai has played with Ravi Shankar, Allah Rakha, and Zakir Hussain. Miguel has also had the pleasure of sitting with Orbel Babyan of 'Viza' (Serj Tankian's from System of a Down side project).

Miguel Gutierrez is an explosive and dynamic drummer, percussionist, and teacher whose magic touch and ability to move with ease into many different styles will mesmerize the listener. His rhythmic training, musical sensitivity and immense love for his art form shines through each instrument. The owner and founder of Professional Drum and Percussions Studies (www.prodrumstudies.com), Miguel has taught drums and percussion for more than 31 years. He is busy with studio sessions, clinics and performances, and is the leader of the Detroit based world rhythm jazz group 'Truth'. He is also a member of the Percussive Arts Society, has served on the faculty at William Tyndale Christian College, and has been an instructor with Meditation Outreach- instructing the visually impaired.