Streaming on 8/27
My new album, Sunset Kiss
11 brand new tracks
New Album “Us”
SAXOPHONIST, PRODUCER, MIX ENGINEER, COMPOSER
Hailing from New Jersey, Michael Cates began playing the saxophone at the age of eight. He quickly realized the saxophone would be his instrument of choice after seeing his favorite tv actor with a horn around his neck. Michael’s early sax years were spent playing in the local clubs along the famous Jersey shore and being a sideman in various NY and LA studios.
During that time, Cates released two instrumental solo albums.
After traveling between the two coasts, Michael decided to make LA his home.
The move to CA was a career defining moment as he was hired toplay the part of the saxophone player on the David E. Kelley Production hit TV series, “Ally McBeal” for five seasons, from 1999 until its final episode.
He has also been in various other TV shows and national TV commercials. Cates has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild for over 25 years.
He has performed with and shared the stage with Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Barry White, Joe Sample, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Tommy Mars, Jon Gilutin and many more He has performed at venues including BB King NY, The Newport Beach Jazz Festival, The San Francisco Jazz Festival, The Stone Pony, Spaghettini, Catalina Club, Little Rock Jazz Festival, The Rose Bowl and on countless stages across the US and Europe.
Cates third solo album was released on the CMG label located in Glendale, CA.
In the past three years Michael’s releases have all been in the top 100 on all of the smooth jazz charts, as well as reaching top 20 on Radiowave, and #1 on the Spanish and Latin American charts. The fourth album released in 2025, titled, “Us”, was a labor of love, with many of the songs written for the personal health recovery of his wife. Michael was awarded the Best Smooth Jazz Album, for “Us”, and Best Smooth Jazz Song, for “Here In My Heart”, and “Judith Lorraine”, in 2026 by the WEA.
He followed up with another full album release in 2026. He has been recognized worldwide for his talented musicianship, his innovative sound and creativity as a composer. As a multi talented artist, Michael’s music stretches the boundaries and opens the minds of the listener. “There is no limit to our creativity, nor our expansion of diversity“, which lends to his motto: “Don’t follow others, follow your heart”.
