About Michael Underwood

Originally hailing from Cornwall in the south west of the UK, Michael was awarded a scholarship to study at the internationally renowned Chetham's School of Music and thereafter gained a place to study jazz performance at the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Whilst at Trinity, Michael was awarded the Trinity Laban Jazz Achievement Award, The Jon Hassall Prize for Jazz and graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree.

As an instrumentalist Michael has performed internationally with a variety of pop and jazz ensembles. Most notably his work playing saxophone, flute, keys and guitar with the artist Rex Orange County has led to extensive world tours performing at venues such as Brixton Academy (London), Radio City Music Hall (NY) The Shrine and Forum (LA). Noteworthy TV and Radio performances include The Ellen Show, The Jimmy Fallon Show, NPR Tiny Desk Concert, Later with Jools Holland, Radio 1 Live Lounge, live BBC Maida Vale sessions and performing high profile festival slots such as headlining the Park Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

Michael had the opportunity to work as a performer, songwriter and arranger on Rex Orange County’s latest album ‘Pony’ which reached number 3 in the US album charts, number 5 in the UK album charts and number 4 in the Australian album charts. 

Michael has also performed at many of the UK’s top music venues such as the 02 Arena and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club alongside artists including Imelda May, Cliff Richard, Orlando Julius, The Heliocentrics, Wizkid, Des'ree, Moses Boyd, Mark Nightingale, Lawrence Cottle, Norma Winstone and Sonnie Badu.

As a session musician and arranger he has recording credits for Rex Orange County, Mae Muller, Leon Vynehall, Moses Boyd and The Lydian Collective. 

Over the last five years Michael has held woodwind teaching positions at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Ravens Wood School and Sedgehill School.