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Jeff Miguel
In May of 2015, Miguel released, as a leader, his “auspicious debut” (Midwest Record), Perseverance. The album features all original compositions of a variety of styles and influences. Miguel has taken an approach in composition and arranging that “focuses on melody and sophisticated chord progressions to express himself” (Little Village Magazine).
Miguel is an active performer on the Colorado music scene. He plays in several groups of various genres, and performs across the state for public and private events.
Originally from northern Illinois, Jeff studied Biology as an undergraduate at the University of Illinois, undertook research at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and spent several months studying in the Galapagos Islands. After a gap year serving in Americorps, he decided to follow his passion by returning to school to study music. He now works full-time in music as a performer and educator.
Miguel teaches students of all ages and abilities, and specializes in woodwinds, jazz improvisation, and theory. Some of his past students have gone on to win prestigious soloist awards, achieve top seats in classical and jazz all-state festivals, and attend well respected universities for musical studies. In the past, he also co-directed the University of Iowa Hawkeye Big Band and taught Introduction to Jazz Improvisation at the University of Iowa.
Awards
Best Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist - 2016 Downbeat Graduate Student Music Award
Tags
Jeff Miguel: Perseverance
by Edward Blanco
Armed with a recently-received Master's degree in Music from the University of Iowa, young tenor saxophonist Jeff Miguel enters the world of recorded jazz with an impressive debut album entitled Perseverance, an offering of eight originals forged in the mainstream, straight ahead fashion containing elements of the smooth, Latin and other flavors. Originally from northern Illinois and currently residing in Iowa City, IA, Miguel is an educator and former co-director of the University of Iowa Hawkeye Big Band as well ...
read moreNew Genre Blending Album Released by saxophonist Jeff Miguel
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Jeff Miguel
The Hero’s Journey is Jeff Miguel’s second album as leader and quite an evolution from the 2015 release Perseverance. The Hero’s Journey was designed to be a heavily produced jazz crossover album where every note has a distinct purpose. The short songs are meant to be listened to in order and feature various saxophones as well as flute. “It Will Be Okay” and “Guilty Pleasures” were released as singles prior to the full album release. About Jeff Miguel Jeff Miguel ...
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"A mainstream sax man that brings some new chops and ideas to the forum"
"A well done auspicious debut"
"Hot stuff"
——Chris Spector Midwest Record June 12, 2015
“Perseverance collects eight of Miguel’s own compositions, which is a gutsy move in the context of traditional jazz, a genre where musicians are still finding something new in standards from the last century." "Miguel’s music is very much in the tradition of composers like Bill Evans or Keith Jarrett."
Primary Instrument
Saxophone
Location
Denver
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
I have a M.A. in Music emphasis in Jazz Studies from the University of Iowa. I have been playing for over 15 years and teaching for over 10 years.
Clinic/Workshop Information
I have worked with many different bands and combos doing sectional and full band work.
Photos
Music
Guilty Pleasures
From: Guilty PleasuresBy Jeff Miguel
It Will Be Okay
From: It Will Be OkayBy Jeff Miguel
That Girl
From: Brooke Sings Band SwingsBy Jeff Miguel
This Time
From: PerseveranceBy Jeff Miguel
Complete Contemplation
From: PerseveranceBy Jeff Miguel