I came into this world in Bryan, Texas, on December 10, 1986. My parents, in their infinite wisdom, named me after Michael Anthony, the bass guitarist for Van Halen, and exposed me to an eclectic mix of classic rock, funk, jazz, Motown, R&B, and country.

As a teenager, I received my first saxophone from a pharmacist and his wife who “just happened to have one lying around” after their older son lost interest. I spent countless hours in my room learning songs by ear—from Bob Seger and Pink Floyd to Candy Dulfer, James Brown, and Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass. Somewhere along the way, I learned to improvise and found my own musical voice.

After graduating from Caldwell High School in 2005, I accepted an academic scholarship and moved to Brenham, Texas, to study biology at Blinn College. Through a series of fortunate events—and some persistent encouragement from a new friend—I auditioned for the Blinn College Band and received an additional music scholarship. I eventually became the lead tenor saxophonist in the Blinn College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo.

Not long afterward, I began fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming an Aggie by studying genetics at Texas A&M University. I spent the remainder of my college career juggling a full course load, multiple jobs, genetics research, teaching chemistry, and gigging whenever possible.

Many evenings were spent performing in a trio at the Casablanca Piano Bar inside Christopher’s World Grille with two exceptionally talented musicians: pianist D.A. McDowell and drummer Michael Holleman. I later had the pleasure of performing with The Legendary Old School Band, Tubie and the Touchtones, Datura Midnight Express, Eugene Smith & The Solid Foundation Band, and numerous other groups throughout the Brazos Valley and Texas Hill Country.

Along the way, I have also performed with Austin music legend Margaret Wright, Grammy-winning keyboardist Bobby Sparks, and renowned R&B saxophonist Elliott Fikes.

Following college, I built a career spanning analytical chemistry, laboratory operations, product management, and business leadership across the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, environmental, biotechnology, and semiconductor industries. That work allowed me to travel the world, solve complex problems, and meet many remarkable people.

I later earned an MBA from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and founded CoJ Creative, LLC, through which I pursue consulting and selected creative projects.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, photography, spending time with my two Brussels Griffons, cruising the backroads in my classic cars—including a 2002 Trans Am WS6 convertible, 1970 Corvette LS5, and 1981 Corvette L81—making waves on the lake, cooking, gardening, and creating memories with friends and family near Marble Falls, Texas