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  • Michael Cartwright goes the Miles: "My first trumpet teacher handed...

    Michael Cartwright goes the Miles: "My first trumpet teacher handed me Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" when I was in seventh grade and I was drawn into his magic. While other kids were listening to Bell Biv Devoe in middle school, I had my Walkman and listened to Miles Davis."

  • The Marine Corps was Michael Cartwright's first career choice. "If...

    The Marine Corps was Michael Cartwright's first career choice. "If music hadn't come around, who knows where I'd be now. My family all comes from military backgrounds, and I probably would have done that."

  • "In the '60s, '70s, and even the early '80s, music...

    "In the '60s, '70s, and even the early '80s, music was varied,' says Michael Cartwright. "There were a lot of new things coming out. Audiences were receptive of that. These days, music - especially pop music and club music - has a very predictable format."

  • Cartwright believes there's "a change in tide" away from predictable...

    Cartwright believes there's "a change in tide" away from predictable formats. "People appreciate that I bring a live band that works the crowd like a DJ. The energy goes up and down. It's not just some monotonous boom boom boom all night long."

  • Michael Cartwright has a new album in the works. What...

    Michael Cartwright has a new album in the works. What can listeners expect? "A live feeling. I use all real musicians in my band and recordings. I truly still believe in the live band."

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Singer-songwriter and trumpet player Michael Cartwright traveled with the Young Americans — a band that is part jazz, soul, and pop — when he was in high school. He shares the struggle of many new artists trying to debut fresh music within radio and playlist formats dominated by old hits. Quotes are from an interview with Gary Schwind.