Michael Atesalp is an accomplished Drummer, Percussionist, Arranger and Producer. He has performed with reggae/pop sensations Big Mountain, grammy winning jazz fusion keyboardist Haakon Graff, trumpeter Bobby Shew and Latin percussion legends, Pete Escovedo and Tomasito Cruz. Additionally, Michael has performed with The Banda Brothers, Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band, jazz saxophonist Jason Weber and currently records and performs with the neo-soul/trip hop band, The Jade Element.

Michael’s instructional credits include the Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, the Anaheim Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, WGI World Champion Clovis West High School Percussion Ensemble and San Diego State University Aztec Drum Line.

Q & A

BORN IN:
Fresno, CA

LIVES IN: San Diego, CA

DRUMMING SINCE: 1975

CURRENT BAND/PROJECT: The Jade Element

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S): Too Many to List!

FAVORITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: The Jade Element

FAVORITE ALBUM YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON: Too Many to List!

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Playing with Calixto Oviedo and Tomasito Cruz

FAVORITE SABIAN CYMBAL: 19″ El Sabor Prototype