Mike Freedman: Guitarist/Composer

Mike Freedman is a Toronto-based guitarist, composer, producer, and bandleader whose melodic approach bridges traditional and contemporary jazz. Drawing inspiration from his contemporaries, Mike blends traditional jazz and fusion with elements of blues and global influences to create music that is both accessible and adventurous.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Mike has performed at many venues and festivals across North America and Europe, including The Montreux Jazz Festival, The Montreal Jazz Festival and  The Rochester Jazz Festival. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Mike has collaborated and toured with many acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriters and musicians. He has also led and co-led several ensembles, including the Mike Freedman Group, The Blue Sky Group, Lost In Transit, and The Funktet.

After many years of recording and touring with other artists, Mike gained wider recognition with his 2021 album Into The Daybreak. The album features nine original contemporary jazz compositions by Mike and a stellar lineup of musicians, including Chris Gale, Alexis Baro, Jeremy Ledbetter, Max Senitt, and Kobi Hass. It was named among Jazz.FM’s Top 25 jazz releases of the year.

His latest release, Our Time In Space, arriving on November 13, is his sixth album of original compositions and further explores his distinctive sound as a jazz guitarist. Featuring 11 original tracks, the album combines strong melodies, rich harmonies, and open spaces for improvisation. Recorded live off the floor over two days at Canterbury Music Studios, the album captures the chemistry of Mike and his core ensemble, featuring pianist Matt Newton, bassist Chris Adriaanse, and drummer Max Senitt, with special guest flutist Anh Phung appearing on three tracks.

Through his original compositions and expressive guitar playing, Mike Freedman continues to explore the meeting point between jazz tradition and contemporary musical influences, creating music that balances thoughtful composition with spontaneity and personal expression.