New Orleans native Michael “Patches” Stewart plays his trumpet the way he makes a gumbo — blending myriad influences and making it his own. A perennial member of the Marcus Miller Band, Patches’ career also includes performances and studio recording sessions with Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones, The Brothers Johnson, George Duke, Lenny White, Babyface, Ken Hicks, Anita Baker, Earth Wind & Fire, Diana Ross, Johnnie Taylor, Whitney Houston, Rickie Lee Jones, The O’Jays, Soul II Soul, LaBelle, and more.

As a solo artist, Patches has released three albums to date. The most recent, BLOW was produced by Marcus Miller. His 1997 debut, Blue Patches, was followed by Penetration in 1998. Patches is currently developing music for his next solo project. “My joy in music, especially jazz, is that it’s a constant challenge — you never know what’s going to happen.”

www.patchesstewart.com