Michael Cates Saxophonist, Composer, Producer, Actor
Michael Cates Saxophonist, Composer, Producer, Actor

“Smooth jazz enthusiasts who listen to the song will enjoy every minute."
"A talented and sophisticated instrumental composer marking his mark on the industry in 2025."
-Rob Mullins





A track that sounds just as good in your headphones as it would in a film score—Classified is one you’ll want on repeat.

Me conmueve profundamente y me honra que mi canción, Vibes, sea la número uno. Gracias por su continuo apoyo y cariño. MC
ABOUT MICHAEL
Michael Cates, Saxophonist, Composer, Producer, Actor
Hailing from New Jersey, Michael Cates began playing the saxophone at the age of eight. He quickly realized the saxophone would be his instrument of choice after seeing his favorite tv actor with a horn around his neck. Michael’s early sax years were spent playing in the local clubs along the famous Jersey shore and being a sideman in various NY and LA studios.
During that time, Cates released two instrumental solo albums.
After traveling between the two coasts, Michael decided to make LA his home.
The move to CA was a career defining moment as he was hired toplay the part of the saxophone player on the David E. Kelley Production hit TV series, “Ally McBeal” for five seasons, from 1999 until its final episode.
He has also been in various other TV shows and national TV commercials. Cates has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild for over 25 years.
He has performed with and shared the stage with Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Barry White, Joe Sample, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Tommy Mars, Jon Gilutin and many more He has performed at venues including BB King NY, The Newport Beach Jazz Festival, The San Francisco Jazz Festival, The Stone Pony, Spaghettini, Catalina Club, Little Rock Jazz Festival, The Rose Bowl and on countless stages across the US and Europe.
Cates third solo album was released on the CMG label located in Glendale, CA.
In the past three years Michael’s releases have all been in the top 100 on all of the smooth jazz charts, as well as reaching top 20 on Radiowave, and #1 on the Spanish and Latin American charts. He has been recognized worldwide for his talented musicianship, his innovative sound and creativity as a composer, which lends to his philosophy, “Don’t follow others, follow your heart”.
