Born: January 20, 1952 Primary Instrument: Reeds
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
Mikole's Reviews
Jazz on the beach Jack Simpson
So I say to myself, “Who is this guy, and what is he doing? Well, whatever it is I like it. Being a long time admirer of Ira Sullivan, Bill Prince, and Jay Thomas, I'm not automatically impressed with multi-instrumentalism, unless they're all played well. So how about that Bassoon? Wow
Mikole is a very accomplished musician,...lot of hard work to play one instrument that well, but to play six as well as he does is nothing short of amazing. Eric Marienthal - Recording Artists - Peak Records
O' Place Review: Mikole Kaar - Six Horn Strut 4+/4
O's Notes: Reedmaster Mikole Kaar has a strong sense of swing that helps him keep pace with the best in class. There are some nice arrangements here especially “I Love Paris” and “Gentle Rain” including some nice work on guitar by Pat Danna. But what makes this CD stand out is the varied character of the melodies coming from Kaar. He uses sax, flute, clarinet and even the bassoon to freshen these classics.
D. Oscar Groomes Maplewood, N.J.
AMG- All Music Guide Artist Mikole E. Kaar - “A Fifth of Midnight” From the expert review:” This album will delight those who admire performers who are adept at more than just one instrument, and that Kaar certainly is.-” and “ using the bassoon as a solo instrument in a jazz setting is quite rare.””the sax work is equally as acceptable, especially on a good killer-diller arrangement of “ I Found A New Baby”Dave ***
O'Notes: From O's Place Review -
A Fifth of Midnight 4+/5 (Recording Quality/Musicality)
“There is a lot of good stuff here starting with Mikole (sax) & Pat Dana (guitar) trading solos on the upbeat “ Shine” & “ I Found A New Baby” Things cool down nicely with Kaar using flute on “ Lover Man”. In between he chooses bassoon to warm up “ I'll Remember April” and clarinet for the bossa nova beats of “ Mood Indigo”. There are ten songs, just over one hour of fun!”
Cadence Magazine- Mikole E. Kaar A Fifth of Midnight
“ Lively syncopated music identified with a bygone eraKaar is an adept improviser on all his horns..and when he plays tenor, I could not shake the feeling of listening to a 1940's band.these musicians perform with top-notch professionalism and a bit of flairThe session is - a retrospective journey down a well-traveled road where the tunes are familiar and the improvisations are enjoyable.Frank Rubolino
KCME- Colorado Springs- Lenny Mazel “ I got a kick out of this one. Nice variety with the various horns, and an interesting choice of tunes.”
KTXK- Texas- Jerry Atkins
“ There's a lot of good things happening here with a very interesting tune selection. His multi-instrumental techniques are to be envied. I dig the idea of inclusion of bassoon.”
WRHU- Bob Levoy
“ amazing- especially that jazz bassoon.”
Tom Phillips The Sound of Jazz- Gettysburg, PA Network Show
Mikole E Kaar- A Fifth of Midnight. “ Incredible talent. A master of many instruments. Good balance of tunes. Hey, he could maybe teach Kenny G. how to play MUSIC on soprano sax, instead of wearing out the keypads on each tune!”
“ Very enjoyable, very accessible music to the listener” -Tommy Newsome, The Tonight Show Band
“ I think many people will be surprised when they hear this cd. I know I was. I found it to be a good vehicle to show off Mikole's talent, on a lot of instruments. All the players are very good, this recording is worth consideration” -Mundell Lowe, Jazz Guitarist
“ It's a great piece of work””this is realMikole puts these older songs in a very fresh setting” I love it, it's got everything in it. The variety of instruments just makes it wonderful-different set of colors from track to track.” On I Found A New Baby-”it was swingin, beautiful, warm & very expressive.- very free. You hear guys tryin to play like this-Timeless, his stuff comes off the dome!”-Bennie Maupin, Miles Davis Band
“ I've always thought that music should be funand to that end “ A Fifth of Midnight” strikes a handsome chord for the advancement of modern jazz The musicianship is high on the artistic scale, and Mikole surrounds himself with some very capable and talented performers. Enjoy!”-Sammy Nestico - Arranger
“ Mikole is an intelligent, thoughtful player I love that Jazz Bassoon!” - Karen Gallinger, jazz vocalist “ A Tribute to Bill Evans”
“ Mikole is a great jazz musician in the tradition of Sonny Rollins and Stan Getz. His melodic and sonorous bassoon explorations are another positive indication that the bassoon has a place in the jazz lineage.” -Paul Hanson, Jazz Bassoonist, Bela Fleck Band
“ After listening to this cd, it is obvious that Mikole has given a lot of thought, passion and dedication to instruments, evident with full, rich tone, and roots deeply imbedded in the swing era.” -Ray Pizzi, Jazz Woodwinds
“ You make all your horns talk, especially that tall brown onehaving the bassoon cavort all over the changes to “ Doxy” gives the tune the mirth it deserves.” -Richard Simon, Bassist
“ The history of jazz is a mother lode that comparatively few younger players have chosen to mine. On this, his first CD, Mikole Kaar's miner's helmet is fastened securely, and it's bulb is bright. Obviously comfortable traveling the main shaft of bebop, he also illuminates the nooks and crannies of earlier jazz styles. This, along with his canny use of the bassoon and other woodwinds, makes for an interesting listening experience. The rhythm second tis fully supportive and especially enhanced by Pat Danna's “voice of experience” guitar work. I wish them all well.” -Dan Barrett- Trombonist/Leader “ Blue Swing”
