Version Sounds is an interpretation of radio communication. At its roots, the show credits reggae dub for adding so much to the music we listen to today. From there the branches continue to sprout via a myriad of genres and time spans. Colombian cumbias meet Germanic techno dub meets British twee pop. Stereolab and Sun Ra lounge around as Stars of the Lid jam with Prince Jammy. You never know what to expect but you are guaranteed that the now sounds of 2021 will have a toast with the happening sonics of 1968 and beyond!

This week’s episode features a live performance by the Mike Bolger Ensemble.

Michael Bolger’s musical career can be summed up in one word- Diversity. His skills as a multi-instrumentalist is matched by his stylistic diversity in a variety of genres.

Michael was born and raised in Los Angeles. He fell in love with music at a young age and pursued study at UCLA and CalArts, earning a BFA in jazz trumpet in 1997. Michael’s career has blossomed to include a long list of accolades and recording credits including Jewel, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ry Cooder, Jimmy Cliff, and the ubiquitous cartoon SpongeBo Squarepants for which he received the 2013 BMI TV music award.

He can be heard performing trumpet, accordion, trombone and keyboards in a wide variety of Los Angeles ensembles. Michael has also served as a teacher at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music since it’s opening in 2001 and works for the California Dance Institute as an accompanist in LA area elementary schools.

Michael is currently learning, practicing, creating, arranging, or composing music.