Michael Deak

Born 1942, son of Imre Deak (1892-1945). Father studied with Emil Von Sauer, Stephen Thoman--students of Franz Liszt. Veteran of WW I. Later studied with Bela Bartok (with whom he had a decades-long friendship. I lost father at age 3. Became interested in jazz in 1959. Studied vibraphone with Bobby Hutcherson for 1 year. Became a pianist after hearing Bill Evans on Miles Davis' "Kind Of Blue" album. To this day, I perform in the jazz idiom. Classical influences for my "contemplative music" are: Debussy, Ravel, Hindemith, Barber, and Finzi. I have won two classical competitions, have been published formally three times, have had a broadcast of my music, and have had three professional CDs produced.