MICHAEL CATES BRINGS HIS CREATIVE STYLING TO EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES.
Albums And Single Releases
SAXOPHONIST, PRODUCER, MIX ENGINEER, COMPOSER, ACTOR
Hailing from New Jersey, saxophonist Michael Cates began playing the saxophone at the age of eight. He quickly realized that the saxophone would be his instrument of choice after seeing his favorite TV actor with a horn around his neck. Michael’s early years as a saxophonist were spent performing in local clubs along the famous Jersey shore and serving as a sideman in various studios in New York and Los Angeles. During this time, Cates released two instrumental solo albums that showcased his talent in contemporary jazz. After traveling between the two coasts, Michael decided to make LA his home, marking a pivotal moment in his career. He was hired to play the saxophone player on the David E. Kelley production hit TV series, “Ally McBeal,” where he performed for five seasons, from 1999 until its final episode.
In addition to his work on “Ally McBeal,” Cates has appeared in various other TV shows and national TV commercials. He has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild for over 25 years. Throughout his career, Michael has performed with a remarkable lineup of artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Barry White, Joe Sample, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, and Tommy Mars, gracing venues such as BB King NY, the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Stone Pony, Spaghettini, the Catalina Club, the Little Rock Jazz Festival, the Rose Bowl, and countless stages across the US and Europe.
Saxophonist Michael Cates released his third solo album on the CMG label located in Glendale, CA. In the past three years, his releases have consistently ranked in the top 100 on all smooth jazz charts, with placements reaching the top 20 on Radiowave and even hitting #1 on the Spanish and Latin American charts. His fourth album, titled “Us,” released in 2025, was a labor of love, with many songs written to aid in the personal health recovery of his wife. This deeply personal work earned him the title of Best Smooth Jazz Album for “Us” and Best Smooth Jazz Song for “Here In My Heart” and “Judith Lorraine” by the WEA in 2026. He followed this success with another full album release in 2026. Recognized worldwide for his exceptional musicianship and innovative sound as a contemporary jazz composer, Michael’s music stretches boundaries and opens listeners' minds. He believes, "There is no limit to our creativity, nor our expansion of diversity," which encapsulates his motto: “Don’t follow others, follow your heart,” a guiding principle that resonates with fans of smooth jazz and listeners all over the world.
