Michael Belasco
Aimee Macdonald, alto saxophone
Leo Milano, tenor saxophone
David Nnamdi,* piano
Kyle Saelee, bass
Joseph Evans, drums
*guest artist
Saturday, March 7, 2026
2:30 pm
Recital Hall
Invitation (1950) Bronislaw Kaper (1902–1983)
Benny’s Tune (2005)
Don’t Write No Sh*t About Me (2002)
Stella By Starlight (1944)
The Forward Step (2025)
Interstellar Story (2024)
Ain’t Nothin Nu’ (1976)
Louke (b. 1973)
Evans (b. 1975)
Evans (b. 1975)
Victor Young (1899–1956)
Michael Belasco (b. 2002)
Belasco (b. 2002)
Thad Jones (1923–1986)
Lionel
Orrin
Chiara (2016)
PROGRAM NOTES
Program notes by the composer
Belasco: The Forward Step
This composition was conceived following the experience of moving from one residence to another. It seeks to evoke the sensation of repeatedly loading boxes and furniture into a moving van and subsequently unloading them into a new environment.
Belasco: Interstellar Story
This composition was inspired by the science fiction film Interstellar. It reflects my personal interpretation of the film, expressed through a spacious, ethereal atmosphere and the use of sustained, elongated notes.
This recital is presented as a degree requirement for a Bachelor of Music in jazz studies.
Michael Belasco, a guitarist from Manilla, Philippines, is a jazz studies major at University of the Pacific.
He started playing music in high school. Heavily influenced by blues, R&B, and soul, Belasco studied classical guitar while also performing with the Delta Jazz Ensemble and Delta Jazz Combos at San Joaquin Delta College. He has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival as well as with various musical groups in the Sacramento and Bay Areas.
Belasco's musical influences include Jim Hall, B.B. King, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder and Emily Remler. He hopes to pursue a career in performing and teaching.
