The saxophonist composed and produced “77 Hours,” the newest track from his “Always Together” EP.
Athletes often describe a state of total immersion—where thinking stops, the inner voice quiets, and the body moves effortlessly in sync. Jazz-blues saxophonist Michael Cates tapped into that exact zone while creating “77 Hours,” the high-energy new single released on Sonic Redoubt Entertainment. Inspired by a football player who wore number 77 and by his own creative process—which typically spans 77 hours from start to finish—Cates says this one came together in record time. The result is a fiery, soul-drenched track now soaring up the national charts.
Cates walked into the studio that evening looking to shake off some frustration. He wasn’t aiming for radio play. He just wanted to blow the doors off.
“I write constantly—it’s a ritual. I shut out the noise and I create. That’s who I am. Everything I’ve absorbed finds its way into my music. I’m a fusion and rock guy with a funky edge. Blues and gospel shaped my roots, and they still drive what I do,” said Cates. “Even though my music gets airplay on smooth jazz stations, it also gets passed over for being too bold. But I’m not writing to fit a format. That night, I set out to write a blues tune that no one would ever spin. And now, ‘77 Hours’ is taking off. Radio embraced it right away.”
Cates, who believes the number seven is “perfect,” considers the double sevens on the single’s cover a sign of creative alignment. After crafting the melody and the first solo section, he enlisted a powerhouse team: GRAMMY® nominee Rob Mullins on keys, guitarist Randy Jacobs, bassist Larry Antonino, and drummer Sergio Gonzalez. With Cates leading on tenor sax, “77 Hours” is a bold, expressive ride—his horn cutting through with raw energy and precision.
“There have literally been 77 takeoffs and landings in that Piper plane you see on the cover,” added Cates, a licensed pilot since 1985.
Originally from New Jersey, Cates launched his career in Los Angeles, where he spent five seasons playing the saxophonist on the Emmy-winning show Ally McBeal. Since then, he’s released three full albums, two EPs, and scored multiple charting singles. His performance credits span the globe and include collaborations with legends like Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Barry White, Tina Turner, Joe Sample, and Mariah Carey. Cates has graced stages from BB King Blues Club and Spaghettini to the Newport Beach and San Francisco Jazz Festivals.
Next up, he’ll bring his band to The Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks on August 9.
2 comments:
Interesting. Excellent player.
Serious player. Really enjoyed this song.
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