Mike Ledonne

Soulful Swing

A masterful pianist and organist whose deeply swinging style blends tradition with personal innovation, Mike LeDonne has played alongside legends and leads his own acclaimed ensembles.

Hard BopSoul JazzOrgan JazzPost-Bop

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About

Michael Arthur LeDonne (born October 26, 1956 in Bridgeport, Connecticut) showed musical promise early—raised in his parents’ music store, he began piano lessons at age five and by ten was performing on gigs his father booked. After studying at the New England Conservatory, he moved to New York in 1979 and has since built a distinguished career as a pianist, organist, composer, and musical director, performing with such giants as Milt Jackson, Benny Goodman, Sonny Rollins, and Benny Golson, and leading his own Groover Quartet.

Music Style

LeDonne's music is characterized by its deep connection to hard bop and soul jazz, featuring intricate piano lines and a powerful, blues-infused Hammond B3 organ sound. His style blends a profound understanding of jazz tradition with a vibrant, contemporary energy, making his performances both rooted and fresh.

Background

Hometown: New York City, New York, USA
Education: William Paterson University (Jazz Studies Program)
Instruments: organ, piano
Active: 1980s-present

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