Trenton native Michael Carthan is the first call bassist for countless local gospel, rock, country, blues, jazz and R&B groups, he performs regularly with Amazin Grace and the GLB, Renaissance Jazz Band, Mr. Lucky Blues Band and The Kim Yarson Band.  In addition, Michael has performed with several other local talented artist & groups such as Minister William Carter III Ministries, Minister Al Matlock, Kameelah Waheed & GC, ShowTyme, Sandy Zio Band, Ja-tun Thomas Band, Black Frost Jazz Band as well as Jackie Greggs & Friends to name a few. Michael is also Bassist for his home church, Union Baptist Church, located in Trenton NJ. Additionally, together with his bandmates, Michael has opened up for gospel luminaries Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood and Dorothy Norwood just to name a few. Most recently alongside his band members of The Amazin Grace Little & GLB, Michael opened for The Delfonics. Over the years the bands Michael has played in have performed at every major venue in the Tri-State area and beyond with countless artists such as Jesse Idol, Lydia Caesar, Clifford Adams & Michael Ray of Cool & the Gang, and Kym Miller & the late Dennis Richardson of Instant Funk. He and his bandmates have also shared the stage with such greats as Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge, Shirley Jones of the Jones Girls, The Tramps, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Glenn Jones and Eric Benet to name a few. Recognizing the listing of performers Michael has played with it is clear that he is well versed in all genres of music including Pop, Rock, Jazz, R & B, Blues, Gospel, Country, Rap and Reggae. Additionally, Michael likes to give back to the community. He realizes the profound positive effect music has on children and adolescents and has made direct donations to Somerset Home, an organization founded to assist abused, neglected and homeless youth. This enforces Michaels belief that musical performance is every bit as important in education and childrens lives as reading and writing.  To quote the great philosopher, Plato, music is a more potent instrument than any other for education.