Natalie Cressman and Mike Bono
Biography Natalie Cressman and Mike Bono
Natalie Cressman & Mike Bono
A collaborative duo since 2014, Natalie Cressman and Mike Bono have developed a repertoire of vibrant and intricate originals which incorporate a combination of genres, including indie rock and contemporary jazz.
Raised in an eclectic musical household, Natalie Cressman has continued to diversify and expand her musical universe throughout her musical career. Still in her early 20s, the trombonist/composer/vocalist has assimilated the full range of her sonic influences into a startlingly-mature and strikingly-original voice. Cressman’s sound melds the sophistication of contemporary jazz with captivating storytelling and intoxicating melodies reminiscent of indie rock’s most distinctive songwriters. Cressman has spent much of the last six years touring the jam band circuit with Phish’s Trey Anastasio, while also performing with jazz luminaries Nicholas Payton, Wycliffe Gordon, and Peter Apfelbaum.
Guitarist Mike Bono, now age 24, is a performer, educator, composer, and recording artist. He began his musical career at the age of 5, and at 18 he auditioned for Berklee College of Music and was the first guitarist in the school’s history to be awarded a Presidential Scholarship. While at school, Mike formed The Mike Bono Group, which released their debut record in September 2013, entitled, From Where You Are. In the last five years, Mike has had opportunities to perform with many including, Erykah Badu, Aloe Blacc, Chris Cheek, Dayna Stephens, and Julian Lage, to name a few.
The duo recorded their debut album, Etchings in Amber, in late 2015, to be released in October 2016. The 9 songs, featuring the intimate instrumentation of voice and acoustic guitar, combine Bono’s harmonic stylings with Cressman’s soulful storytelling. The meeting of these two musical minds results in a transcendent, emotionally stirring journey for listeners.
