Artist Profile: Michael “Leroy” Bram

When he is not touring with superstars like Jason Mraz, recording with Joss Stone or blues great, Watermelon Slim, Michael “Leroy” Bram performs regularly with his blues band, Michael Bram and the Alternators and many others in New York. A musical inspiration in his own right, Bram has not only mastered the drums, but is also an accomplished singer, harmonica player, “coffee shop guitarist,” and harp player.

Bram started drumming at the early age of four, after receiving a drum set for Christmas, and has continued to drum throughout his life, playing around the world, brilliantly performing different genres of music. His wide range of drumming skills continued to develop throughout his childhood, when he began studying drums privately at age seven. Eventually, Bram ended up studying classical percussion and jazz drums at The Conservatory of Music at Suny Purchase and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Music degree, specializing in jazz drums.

Michael Bram is a dedicated Meinl Cymbal player, trusting the extensive range provided by the Byzance series (his favorite is the Meinl Dark Ride) whether playing Rock, Irish, Ska, Reggae or Jazz. He has just released his debut CD, Leroy, full of Bram’s expertise as a blues and jazz singer, harp player, and jazz singer. 

Michael Bram is still considered an “up and coming” musician in the professional world, even with his extensive experience with drums, bands and recording artists. Bram spent much of 2009 touring with Jason Mraz, and was even promoted to musical director of the tour. He was seen on the Ellen show, Saturday Night Live and Good Day New York and is currently touring clubs and local venues in New York City and Connecticut.