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.
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
Read more
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
…Note the work of producer Oliver Miguel who with his vocal
siren, mixes and
manipulates some of “today’s sounds” best spins. Case in
point, Sting’s “Fragile” for the
template of design, is recreated with respect and a fine Latin-
esque burn.
The attitude of the project can best be identified by the
calculated grooves of "Round
Midnight" and the brass attack of Nick Ali. Although perceived
as a showcase duet, for
MS. Monique and Jessie Roy, the true star, with no
disrespect, is the arrangement!
You Go to My Head with all its rhythmic sparkle... is iPod
bound!
By Karl Stober
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