He spent the following years in Boston as a freelance bassist, bandleader, and teacher, leading a trio at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf for three years and performing with South Station, a twelve-piece band that backed visiting guest artists. His solo recording Unison features original compositions and the vocals of Grammy-winning bassist Esperanza Spalding.

In 2005 Michael relocated to Shanghai, where he performed extensively at venues including JZ, House of Blues and Jazz, The Cotton Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and The Blue Note, among many others. He served as house bassist at several

international hotels, was the regular bassist in the JZ Big Band for three years, and performed at the 2016 JZ Jazz Festival with Chris Potter under the direction of Mats Holmquist. He also taught music full-time for fourteen years at international schools in Shanghai, serving as head of music and Director of Performing Arts.

Michael returned to Rochester in 2025 and has since become an in-demand bassist for gigs, sessions, and recordings across the region. He is available as a sideman or bandleader.

Performing credits include: Michael Abene, Arturo O'Farrill, Clay Jenkins, Harold Danko, Ron Horton, George Garzone, Chris Potter, Leo Genovese, Salena Jones, Christian Howes, Andy Hunter, Theo Croker, Alec Haavik, Brian Melvin, and George Russell, among others.

Studies with: John Lockwood, Don Palma, Jeff Campbell, Hal Crook, Paul DelNero, Bruce Gertz, Cecil McBee, George Garzone, George Russell, Jerry Bergonzi, Bob Brookmeyer, and others at Berklee and NEC.