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Oliver Miguel

Best known for his contemporary saxophone sound, multi- instrumentalist Oliver Miguel is equally comfortable performing live or working in recording studios, playing guitars, keyboards, composing, arranging and producing. As dynamic on stage as he is in the studio, his performances have been described as “an emotional and intimate experience.” (www.thelivemusicreport.com), and his recordings have been reviewed as “...rigorous improvisation and daring non- conformist arrangements make this an adventure.” (www.ejazznews.com). A graduate of Mount Royal Conservatory (2003), Humber College of Music (2005) and Thompson Rivers University (2009), Chilean born Oliver Miguel regularly works in various genres: Jazz, Latin, Flamenco, Pop and Hip-Hop. Miguel's diversity and multiple talents are featured on his debut album “Esperanza” (2003). His expertise as an arranger and producer can also be heard on vocalist Janelle Monique's album “You Go To My Head” (2008), where he recorded various instruments and received rave reviews. His much anticipated album “Aire” (2010) features some incredibly accomplished international artists such as: Ralf Buschmeyer (Guitar), Ric Fierabracci (Bass), Paco Fernandez (Flamenco Guitar), Fiona Malena (Palmas & Flamenco Dancing), Alberto San Martin (Zampoña, Cuatro & Charango), Pedro Sierra (Flamenco Guitar), Sonal (Vocals) and Zoe Theodorou (Vocals), to name a few.

Oliver Miguel has traveled throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean to perform as a leader, a sideman, and as an in-demand session player for numerous recordings, while making special appearances on Global Television, CBC, CityTV, TLN, Shaw and various radio programs in Canada, Asia and Spain. He has worked with many prominent artists and bands in the jazz and world music genres including saxophonists: Michael Brecker, Pat Labarbera and Jane Bunnett. He has also played some of Canada's top festivals including opening for Chris Potter at the 2004 Calgary Jazz Festival and performing in the 2005 Montreal Jazz Festival. Oliver has performed an incredible amount of private parties including a dinner for former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien and a private party for His Royal Highness Prince Philip. Most recently, Oliver is traveling extensively to Seville (Spain) to work within the Flamenco genre, working with dancer/choreographer Fiona Malena, and collaborating with flamenco guitarists Miguel Sotelo and “El Fyty”.

In October 2010 Oliver will tour in Canada with legendary flamenco dancer “El Torombo”; and in March 2011 Oliver will perform with Juno Award Winning Cuban Pianist/Arranger Hilario Durán.

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www.thelivemusicreport.com Within the first few seconds of the 2003 release Esperanza by multi instrumentalist and Plan C member Oliver Miguel, the intensity picks up immediately. While he happens to predominantly play the saxophone, the Latin-tinged “When Angels Cry Suite” begins with a seductive guitar solo by Ricardo Madrid as part of the first movement “Sereno”. By the time the rest of the ensemble appears on the second movement “Sin Alivio” Miguel’s sax display takes over with relentless, climactic and sensual overtones. Simeon Abbott has the last say on the third and final movement “Palermo” putting the cherry on top of the cake with a breathtaking piano solo. Now while this could potentially have been a CD all on its own, Miguel gives an encore performance with some more songs up his sleeve without straying away from the tone that has been set. “Zara” continues this with some more of Madrid’s subtle solo styling and then followed by a strong sax reply from Miguel. Things change up with “Illusion Del Corazon” on an up tempo extravaganza, while continuing the constant Miguel/Madrid element throughout this project. Abbott goes to electric piano on this one. After all of these songs, the concluding “In a Heartbeat” goes percussive highlighting Miguel and Madrid one last time. As you can tell by what has been forementioned, the main foundation of this release is created through the interaction between these two brilliant musicians. The result is an emotional and intimate experience. So for all you romantics or seducers, Esperanza can definitely make things happen. Just remember to thank Oliver Miguel. by R.C. - April 2008 www.ejazznews.com

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

AIRE

Self Produced
2010

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