Looking for music to entertain your quests at an upcoming event? Please let us know! Email Mike at mail@mikeasetta.com or call at 860-685-1621. Adding class and style, especially to the ambiance of cocktail hours, parties, or corporate events, we would love to perform at your event. Thank you for reaching out.

Mike Asetta – background:

Immersed in jazz and a love of music at a very early age within his family home, Mike Asetta was captivated by the playing of Clifford Brown and chose the trumpet as his first primary instrument.  A teenager in the tumultuous jazz fusion/rock era and energized by the playing of Jaco Pastorius – Mike’s musical course shifted from the trumpet to the electric bass.  Late in his High School years, Mike was transported by the deep, mellow tones emanating from the upright bass, and so began his musical odyssey on the double bass that continues today.

Chet Baker and Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen were major influences on Mike’s playing, both Baker and Pedersen were active performers in Europe during the same period Mike was living and touring in that Continent.  Returning to the United States, Mike pursued classical music earning a graduate performance certificate at the Yale School of Music, while continuing performing jazz daily, including the 880 Club at the apex of its fame.

Mike’s coaching on the double bass came from some of the world’s finest bassists:  Michael Moore for jazz and classical performers Gary Karr (world’s finest bass soloist) and Donald Palma (founding member of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and performer on over fifty Deutsche Grammophone recordings).

Becoming a masterful improviser and an expressionist bassist, recording requests came to Mike Asetta from some of the greatest jazz performers early in their careers.  This included pianist Brad Mehldau and pianist Christian Sands (along with saxophonist Bill Evans).

Asetta had extended tours with the Unites States Air Force Jazz Ambassadors and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, later performing nightly as the house bassist at the world’s largest casino for over five years. He has performed with rock/pop artists: Josh Groban, Earth Wind & and Fire, Peter Frampton, Yes, Electric Light Orchestra, Dinah Shore, Kansas, Lou Rawls, Peter Cetera, Zack Starkey and show bands/orchestras: Irish Tenors, Martin Short, Regis Philbin, Ben E. King, the late Don Rickles, Marilyn King.

Now residing in Connecticut he leads jazz groups at concerts, private events, and clubs throughout Southern New England,  including Newport RI, all of Connecticut, plus the New York area, showcasing the Great American Songbook along with the best of today’s popular songs interpreted in jazz.  Recent shows include Mike led quintets and quartets at various jazz venues, such as the Side Door Jazz Club and the Kate auditorium in Old Saybrook.

Always bringing excitement and energy to every stage from shows for large audiences to your private party, contact Mike Asetta directly for your next event, please use the form above.

Thank You