A very spiritual person whose body of work reflects that, saxophonist Michael Stuart has always been very influenced by John Coltrane, although he approaches music from a highly personal direction.
Born in Jamaica, saxophonist Michael Stuart moved to Toronto in 1969. In 1977, Stuart became a member of the Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, a position which he held for two tours, until 1978. Jones' album Remembrance features Stuart's composition "Kalima." In 1979, Stuart's album Determination was nominated for a Juno Award, for Best Jazz Album of the Year.