A very spiritual person whose body of work reflects that, saxophonist Michael Stuart has always been very influenced by John Coltrane, although he approaches music from a highly personal direction. Born in Jamaica, saxophonist Michael Stuart moved to Toronto in 1969. In 1977, Stuart became a member of the Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, a position which he held for two tours, until 1978. Jones' album Remembrance features Stuart's composition "Kalima." In 1979, Stuart's album Determination was nominated for a Juno Award, for Best Jazz Album of the Year. In addition to Jones, Stuart has played and recorded with Jimmy McGriff, Sadik Hakim, Drew Gress, Junior Mance, Kenny Garrett, Kenny Wheeler, and Sam Rivers. ~ Dan Cross, Rovi