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Mikole E. Kaar

Roger Burns "Jazz Memories" WUMR fm-91.7 - Memphis

Mikole Kaar - WOW, This musician really got my attention. It's sad that we don't have more jazz on bassoon. That instrument has such a unique sound that captures your ear right away and you just have to hear what chords and phrases he'll come up with. A-1 Disc.

Mikole is one of the most versatile horn players in jazz. For over thirty years Mikole has played with some of the best in the business. He has been compared to the likes of Herbie Mann, Stan Getz, Lockjaw Davis just to name a few.

Mikole has preformed with Joe Cocker, Bo Diddley, The Temptations, The Drifters, The Coasters and many, many more. Mikole's recent release "Six Horn Strut" offers the listener a soulful taste of his versatility. He plays all six horns, tenor saxaphone, bass clarinet, bassoon, flute, clarinet, and soprano saxaphone, on this new release.

Born in New York City, Mikole began studying the clarinet at the age of 9. He attended California State University, Northridge and the Dick Grove School of Music, while cramming in private lessons with Warren Marsh, Don Menza and Charlie Shoemake.

Mikole departed from his traditional jazz roots in the 70's to play with The Drifters, The Coasters, Ink Spots, Platters, Al Wilson, The Temptations and even did a date or two with Joe Cocker. He found himself working in the blues world with artists such as Cash McCall, Bo Diddley and Otis Rush. Finally, in 1985, he was able to travel to Europe playing jazz and touring. In 1986, his album of jazz originals " Back to the Heart" was recorded on Heliocon Records, and released in Germany. He has never strayed since, playing with jazz notables, Russell Freeman, Ti Lavitz, David Benoit, and the late Johnny Hammond Smith. In 1996, while performing in the contemporary arena of jazz, he released his album " Victory In the Morning." As the new century dawns, Mikole finds himself full circle, playing with a darker melodic sound on tenor reminiscent of Ben Webster, The Hawk, Zoot Sims and of course, The Prez- Lester Young. Although there is that thread of memory running through his sound, you will definitely her Mikole's own voice in everything he blows. And, of course, you'll be surprised and delighted with his wide-open approach to a heretofore-classical instrument, The Bassoon. The release of his album, "A Fifth of Midnight" met with positive accolades. His current project, "Six Horn Strut" was released in September 2003. His clarinet days have evolved to include an array of horns, including tenor sax, soprano sax, flute and bassoon. He uses all his instruments to express his unique voice. Formerly President of the San Diego Jazz Artists Guild, Mikole currently resides in southern California

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Album Review

Mikole E. Kaar: A Fifth of Midnight

Read "A Fifth of Midnight" reviewed by Jack Bowers


If they could have seen far enough ahead, Mikole E. Kaar’s parents — who seem to have had a flair for names — might have called him Mikole V — the v, of course, for “versatile.” On A Fifth of Midnight, his debut album as leader, Kaar plays tenor sax on five tracks, clarinet and bassoon on two apiece, soprano sax and flute. He’s backed throughout by an efficient (but slightly over­recorded) rhythm section consisting of guitarist Pat Danna (who ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Six Horn Strut

Unknown label
2002

buy

A Fifth of Midnight

All American Entertainment
2002

buy

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