After spending last summer at his wife Judy’s side during life‑saving spinal surgery, contemporary jazz saxophonist Michael Cates is celebrating her full recovery with a new single, “She’s My Summer,” arriving May 1 via Sonic Redoubt Entertainment.
Cates wrote and produced “She’s My Summer,” playing most of the instruments on the track in addition to his tenor sax. He brought in guitarist Paul Pesco (Madonna, Hall & Oates, C + C Music Factory) and bassist Larry Antonino (Pablo Cruise, Air Supply, Ronnie Laws) to shape the melodies and rhythms. The buoyant midtempo R&B groove bursts into elation on every refrain of the sun-lit pop chorus layered with jubilant saxophone.
“This summer, Judy and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary and after what we went through last summer when I faced the very real possibility that I may lose her, I’m determined to fill this summer with as much time with Judy as possible. She literally is my summer,” said Cates, who is coming off a successful chart run with an award-winning single about his wife titled “Judith Lorraine,” released late last year. “All my music comes back to Judy. She’s been my muse for a long time, and our love story continues to inspire new musical chapters.”
“Judith Lorraine” won a World Entertainment Award as Best Smooth Jazz Song of The Year. The single comes from Cates’ Us album, a 2025 collection of intimate musical snapshots sharing special moments and memories from the couple’s storied romance. Cates recorded the album in response to Judy’s diagnosis. Earlier during a prolific 2025, he released the Sunset Kiss album, which was named Best Smooth Jazz Album of The Year by the World Entertainment Awards.
“She’s My Summer” will begin collecting airplay and playlist adds on May 4. Two days later, Cates will launch “She’s My Summer” with two New York City shows at Chelsea Table + Stage at 7p.m. and 9:30p.m.
“I could not imagine a greater entrance for the campaign than to be the headliner in New York City. It reminds me of when I debuted at Carnegie Hall when I was 15 years old. I used to live across the street from the World Trade Center in the 90s and was a part of the studio scene there long before acting lured me to Los Angeles. I go back home to play occasionally, but never to break out a new release. This one’s incredibly special to me,” said Cates, who grew up in nearby New Jersey.
Cates moved to Los Angeles where he landed a series regular role for five seasons on the Emmy Award-winning Ally McBeal on which he played “The Saxophonist.” As a recording artist, he’s released four albums and two EPs along with singles that consistently garner global airplay and hit the national charts. Cates has performed at premier jazz festivals at home and internationally. He’s played with or shared the stage with icons and legends including Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Barry White, Joe Sample, Tina Turner, and Mariah Carey.
At the heart of “She’s My Summer” is an artist grateful for a second chance with the woman who inspires all his music.
For more information, please visit https://michaelcates.com.
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