JOWEE OMICIL
From: Haiti/Canada
On stage: Mon 08 Jul 01:00
Another remarkable journey in the world of Jazz originates in the church - Mr. Joseph Omicil Jr.
He started playing the alto saxophone when he was only 15. It didn't take long for "Jowee O" to realize that he wanted to pursue a career in music. He was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he further developed his musical skills and expanded his horizons. The saxophone (soprano, alto, and tenor) and the clarinet became his trusted companions on stage, allowing him to showcase his complete freedom and an incredibly captivating stage presence. Thus, all his enormous creativity flows from him to the audience through his performances.
Kenny Garrett has played a significant role as his main mentor. Despite being just over 45 years old, "Jowee O" has already shared stages with renowned musicians such as Branford Marsalis, Richard Bona, Mike Stern, Marcus Miller, Pharoah Sanders, Jeff Tain Watts, Wyclef Jean, Tony Allen, Jacob Desvarieux, Roy Hargrove, and many others. His music is a fusion of jazz as its foundation, subtly blending elements of soul, funk, hip-hop, and even rhythms inspired by his Haitian and Caribbean roots.
In essence, "Jowee O" embodies freedom and soulful improvisation, creating a mesmerizing musical experience where his extensive knowledge gained from academia intertwines with his boundless creativity. His album "Roots & Grooves," released in 2009, marked a significant milestone in his discography, propelling him into the realm of global jazz.