"It didn’t take long for saxophonist Michael J Thomas’ new release Driven to surge to the top of the smooth jazz charts, and it’s easy to hear why. The album is rife with catchy melodies and invigorating grooves, but it’s Thomas’ warm, inviting tone that is the “driving” force behind the proceedings, lending every track its verve and buoyancy. “Baby Coffee,” which charted No. 1 on the Billboard, USA Today and Smooth Jazz Top 20 lists, is among the album’s many highlights. At the forefront is Thomas’ silky sax melody, but the addition of synth horn blasts and a snappy backbeat help establish a relaxed vibe that still packs a punch. Thomas, who is also a skilled vocalist, plays with a singer’s sense of rhythm and time, and the interplay between sax and guitar at the song’s conclusion makes for a fascinating musical dialogue." - Brian Zimmerman, Jazziz

National, contemporary jazz-pop artist Michael J Thomas’ parents thankfully filled his childhood with a steady stream of legendary R&B/pop artists who would later become his biggest influences – Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and Prince. His performances are a blend of his influences and as unique as the music he creates by alternating between tunes featuring his sax and lead vocals. Dee Ritchie from the Pensacola News Journal said, "His fully alive, 3-dimensional stage presence leaves as much of an impression on fans as his tunes, and his variety of style and songs along with his audience interaction should assure a bright future for this young entertainer.”

Thomas has two full albums and two maxi-singles released nationally to his credit; the latest DRIVEN lead the saxophonist/vocalist to sign a distribution deal for the project with Perry Music Group/Sony Music. The lead radio single “Baby Coffee” charted at #1 on three national smooth jazz charts including Billboard (4 consecutive weeks), USA Today, and Smooth Jazz Top 20 with Allen Kepler. Thomas’ music has been featured on Sirius XM’s Watercolors, The Weather Channel, Warner Bros. film “Contagion” starring Matt Damon and Laurence Fishburne, as well as radio stations across the globe. Thomas has recorded with two-time Grammy® winning producer Paul Brown (George Benson, Luther Vandross and Al Jarreau) and has performed in concert with such music superstars Dave Koz, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum, Euge Groove and Mindi Abair.

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“Michael J. Thomas is an excellent and dedicated musician. He is a very fine and intuitive player and has one of the best soprano sax sounds I've ever recorded. I think he's a rising star with a great career in front of him.” - Paul Brown, Legendary GRAMMY® winning Music Producer

"Thomas’ vocal is the nearest thing to MJ that I have heard in a long while."- Steve Giachardi, The Smooth Jazz Ride

"Refreshing with a great sound...the sax style and horn licks hook you the second you hear it."-Mark Carter, Owner of WSBZ 106.3 The Seabreeze