Abel Mireles

Mexican-American saxophonist Abel Mireles is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the most promising saxophonists of his generation in the New Jersey and New York area. He has also developed a unique voice as a composer and as an arranger, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between Mexican American Folkloric Music and Jazz. A graduate of the esteemed jazz programs of the University of Texas at El Paso (undergraduate) and William Paterson University where he received his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance. Abel had the opportunity to study with jazz legendary pianists and Grammy award-winning directors of the program such as Bill Charlap, Cecil Bridgewater, James Weidman, and Armen Donelian. Along with some of his mentors and saxophonists Rich Perry, and Vincent Herring. 

Born and raised in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua Mireles will release his first solo album as a leader in 2022. He produced and arranged the album: Your Way by Candice Reyes Quintet (2018) featuring seven-time Grammy-nominated and renowned bassist Christian McBride. As a sideman, he has worked with jazz luminaries such Ray Chew at "Showtime at the Apollo", working with artists such as Christian McBride, Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Anthony Hamilton, Naturally 7, Otis Redding III, Vernon Reid, Sonia Sanchez, Valerie Simpson, Dionne Warwick, Leela James, Bebe Winans, Paul Shaffer, and many more.

Abel has been featured on national TV work for NBC under the musical director and producer of Ray Chew for "Christmas at Rockefeller Center" working with artists such as John Legend, Martina McBride, Auli'i Cravalho. Along with "Showtime at the Apollo" Also performing in iconic and historical theaters and clubs in the New York City area such as Carnegie Hall, The Apollo Theater, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, City Winery, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill NYC, among others both as leader and sideman. Abel has toured the southwest region. Mexico and the U.S., and has given clinics at universities such as Western New Mexico University, UACJ (the University of Juarez in Mexico), UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso), and perform at venues such as The Outpost Performance Space in New Mexico as well as to open the Festival de Jazz Chihuahua in 2013 and 2014.

Aside from his professional musical career, Abel is one of the two founders of the mission-driven organization called THE JAZZ EXCHANGE, which is committed to building communities through music.

The JAZZ Exchange is a minority-led organization by Abel and his wife Candice, who has gained recognition in the Tri-State area and internationally. In 2019, Saxophonist Abel Mireles and trombonist Peter Lin formed Yardbird Entertainment to help bridge the gap between the new jazz audience and the young professional artists. Both jazz musicians decided to combine their resources and over 10 years of expertise to create one of the leading jazz entertainment and music production companies.