George Carroll, ejazznews.com

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The music has flair and energy, and the musicians kick it into high gear with regularity. DeMicco takes flight on each song, displaying full clarity while the strings zing with his quick manipulation …… (he) gives a fine performance as leader of this band.

Frank Rubolino, Cadence: The Review of Jazz & Blues: Creative Improvised Music

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His diverse resume has contributed to his playing prowess, but the program here is all progressive, creative quartet jazz.   It's straight-ahead, but with a contemporary feel.  DeMicco’s compositions are complex, intricate, and original vehicles.  They're accessible, yet provide a good jumping-off point for some challenging solos by DeMicco and his bandmates.   DeMicco possesses a fluid, melodic style and excellent technique and taste.

Dave Hughes, All About Jazz

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The sound is sparkling, relaxing and breathtaking, the compositions fully mature, and the players perfectly matched . . . this is the kind of music that floats you on its many-hued sea. As The Sun Sets is instrumental jazz in top form.

Todd Paul, Chronogram: Arts, Culture, Spirit

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Guitarist Mike DeMicco has long been one of my favorite jazz players.  On his debut CD "As The Sun Sets.” Mike swings through an excellent set with his characteristic warm tone and brilliant solos.  Backed by a team of jazz luminaries, DeMicco shows off his impressive chops and compositional skills.  Warning: DeMicco's command of the fingerboard will make you wish you'd practiced more as a kid!

Artie Traum

“Measure for measure, one of the harder-swinging sets of the year. DeMicco is a crackling presence throughout, adding a muscular vibe that hikes the energy.”

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“Fresh, melodic and memorable . . . Mike DeMicco supplies fine guitar work and two compositions that blend nicely with Brubeck’s seven . . . beautifully played, it’s a unique and sparkling delight.”

All About Jazz
reviewing "Intuition" by the Brubeck Brothers Quartet

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“Eclipse” is DeMicco’s unadulterated swinger that showcases the guitarist in full-out Pat Martino mode. “Mike’s a tremendous player - very soulful - and he’s also a very talented composer,” says Pete. “I’ve performed “Eclipse” with him many times before. It’s one of my favorite pieces of his – and great to solo on too.”

Bill Milkowsky
Liner notes for "Deacon Blues" by Pete Levin

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Mike DeMicco's guitar playing displays a unique and pleasing sensibility.  I encourage all lovers of good music to give him a listen.

Peter Erskine

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Mike DeMicco's guitar solos soar. An energizing slice of innovative fusion with traditional and modern elements.  The Dolphins dive in and show how fusion can rock.

Jazz Times

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Many of the set's highlights were contributed by Mike DeMicco, a fluent guitarist with a glowing tone and similarly appealing harmonies, well versed in fusion and older traditions.

The Washington Post

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In addition to proving that he’s an exceptionally fluid, harmonically sophisticated improviser, DeMicco contributed one of the evening’s most insinuating compositions, “Lydian Grin.” 

Mike Joyce, The Washington Post

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Guitarist Mike DeMicco displayed a strong traditional feel in both structure and melodies while showcasing some exceptional chops.

Milwaukee Sentinel

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Mike DeMicco, a gifted instrumentalist, created many of the evening's most impressive moments. He was able to translate the Charlie Christian tradition into the fusion idiom. He also played against the grain, with a hard-toned assault that sometimes pushed to the edge of the music.

The Milwaukee Journal

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The set included several original tunes by DeMicco who seemed to drive the band as much as any individual player.  DeMicco and Warren Bernhardt's duet, "You Must Believe In Spring" was absolutely elegant. The overall feel of the performance was reminiscent of Chick Corea's Return To Forever.

Charleston SC, The Post and Courier

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Mike DeMicco is consummate . . . with a mature harmonic and melodic sensitivity.   (He plays with) technical brilliance and imagination.

Woodstock Times

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Exhilarating!

Downbeat  

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Stellar players with notable guests the late Rick Danko and Garth Hudson deliver a lively mix of blues, jazz, boogie and rock ‘n roll.  The album is full of energy and sheer exuberance.  Excellent songs such as “Speeding Time” feature (Mike DeMicco’s) fluid, melodic lead guitar, but the best cut is DeMicco’s Bayou meets Bo Diddley grind of “Bayou Blues.”

Relix

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Mike DeMicco's contributions jump and dive with fingerboard finesse and biting tone.

Guitar Player

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DeMicco’s fat, round tone was perfect as he volleyed between traditional melodic sweeps and lightning-fast cross-neck runs, turning clever phrases inside out.  His composition, “Lydian Grin,” is a moody masterpiece.

Albany Times-Union

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As a performer, Mike is superb. He can capture an audience immediately and hold them spellbound. Mike is one of the brightest young talents I've heard in a long time.

Jack Peterson - Resident Artist/Associate Professor, University of North Florida

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Mike DeMicco is an excellent teacher who covers everything  you'll need to build a solid jazz foundation.  These videos are all outstanding and I highly recommend them.

Critics' Choice, America Online

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DeMicco is best known for his fluid fusion work with The Dolphins, but as a guitar instructor he prefers a steady, straight ahead approach.  Not the least of his talents as a teacher is his ability to integrate (concepts and fundamentals of improvisation), so that it's easy to understand.

Jazz Times

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Mike DeMicco is an articulate young guitarist.  Beginning or intermediate improvisers, regardless of instrument could benefit from DeMicco's well-organized and clearly presented instruction.  DeMicco offers solid advice on building emotionally charged and structurally sound solos. The set's (You Can Play Jazz Guitar, Homespun) success rests squarely on DeMicco's ability to communicate basic information clearly and calmly, and what he's playing sounds terrific.  Indeed, DeMicco's lyrical lines, crisp articulation, and mellow electronic sound are worthy of emulation.

Chuck Berg, Jazz Educators Journal

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As a jazz player, on the strength of this video, Mike DeMicco deserves wider recognition. The solid instructional value of this video is excellent and very useful. DeMicco is a well-respected teacher in the States and this shows through. An enormous amount of information, will keep the aspiring player busy for many a long day and  night.  It's nice to see a video that's actually useful.  All in all, a fine video that is to be recommended purely on its use as an educational tool.

 (Four stars****)

String Jazz News, UK

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As a clinician, Mike is very personable with young students.  He can convey exactly what he wants to and they understand what he is talking about because he can perform all his knowledge at a very high level.  Mike is very thorough, articulate and makes everyone feel very relaxed.  I've been an educator for over thirty years and have seen many clinicians and I have to say that Mike is one of the best I've seen.

Jack Peterson - Resident Artist/Associate Professor, University of North Florida

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Our children were rapt with attention as Chris Brubeck and Mike DeMicco described the relationships between jazz and classical music through talk and demonstration.  The parents and invited public who attended were also most enthusiastic.  One hour was not nearly long enough . . . I highly recommend this program.  I heard nothing but rave comments and hopefully a “sequel” will be available soon.   We can’t wait!

Carolyn Phillips - Executive Director, Norwalk Youth Symphony; Norwalk, CT