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Oliver Miguel

About Me

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.

Notable Performances/Accomplishments:

- August 2010 Released second album as a leader, “Aire” - April 2010 - Traveled from Spain to Canada with Fiona Malena Flamenco Ensemble to perform. - March 2010 - Performed with Ric Fierabracci for a Jaco Pastorious Tribute in Canada - January 2010 – Traveled to Seville Spain to perform/collaborate within the Flamenco genre - August 2009 - Performed after Huey Dunbar at the Calgary Expo Latino with the 12 piece Salsa Orchestra he leads and directs. The Pana Band - July 2009 – British Columbia tour with world fusion band Cumako - August 2008 – Oliver Miguel performed after Spanish Harlem Orchestra at Expo Latino - June 2007 – Headline performer in the Calgary Jazz Festival - 2007 – Performed for 7 months in Hong Kong with singer Janelle Monique - 2007 – Produced/arranged/recorded Jazz-Soul album for singer Janelle Monique - 2006 – Toured 7 months in USA and Canada as lead Saxophonist for Garden Brother Circus - 2005-2006 – Performed with quartet on Celebrity Cruises - August 2005 – Performed at a private event for his Royal Highness Prince Philip - July 2005 – Performed at Montreal Jazz Festival with World Beat group Plan C - April 2004 – Performed with Michael Brecker in Toronto - June 2004 – Opened for Chris Potter at the Calgary Jazz Festival - April 2004 – Performed with Hilario Duran Ensemble and special guest Jane Bunnett - August 2003 – Released first album entitled “Esperanza” - April 2003 – Performed for Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien - 2002 – Recorded with Juno award winner Manuel Jara for his Flamenco fusion album - March 2000 – Performed with Bill Watrous at Calgary’s Hard Rock Café