MICHEL DONATO
Genres: Hard Bop, Post Bop, Swing • Canada

Michel Donato was born in Montreal on August 25th, 1942, into a family drenched in musical tradition. His grandfather was an accomplished violinist, while his father juggled the saxophone, flute and piano, and his cousin, like Donato tested his wares on the acoustic bass. At the ripe age of ten, Donato began his musical training on the accordion. Shortly thereafter, he shifted his studies to the piano, and finally to the bass at age fourteen. Under the guidance of Roger Charbonneau, Donato studied for three years at the Conservatoire de Québec, while making his first appearances on Montreal's vibrant club scene, including a stint with his father at the famous 'Palais D'or'. The 1960s saw the beginning of Donato's long and illustrious professional career. Over the course of the decade, the young bassist developed and even excelled in the company of some of music's most respected luminaries, including Art Blakey, Sonny read more...