Miguel

Sure, you could call it cerebral jazz - if you’re using the part of your brain reserved for paperback pulp fiction fantasy where Shirley Temple serves cocktails to Tito Puente in a maraschino-cherry poppin’ jazz joint by a hot lazy ocean.

Fronted by charismatic trumpet player and vocalist Michael Rogers (Doch), Miguel's performances have earned a reputation as party starters, with their mix of original big band sensibility, signature crooning moon-in-June vintage jazz, and relentless Latin-infused dance-floor meltdowns setting their fans alternately salsa-ing and swooning in the aisles.

Playing original music written in the style of the swing and Latin big bands of the 1950’s, Miguel's sound is slick and sophisticated, but delivered with genuine warmth and soul. The songs are heartfelt and personal, drawn from life experience; their story is their own. Miguel's debut CD The Opener (2008) earned excellent reviews and is heard regularly on ABC radio.
"… led by trumpeter, vocalist, composer and arranger Michael Rogers, (Miguel) is a sidestep into the swing era and beyond, delivered with sophistication… stylish retro musicality infused with humour and enthusiasm. ” John McBeath, The Weekend Australian

Miguel's live shows are full of humour and a good natured tendency towards the sunny side of the street. In the three short years since inception, Miguel have toured nationally with Australian jazz icon Vince Jones; made festival appearances in South-East Queensland, Sydney and Perth; and have performed extensively throughout Queensland. Miguel have also been co-creators of two theatre shows: La La Loco, an outrageous and lush burlesque partnership with the 'La La Parlour' quartet (Queensland Festival, 2009); and an explosive 1950’s style vaudevillian circus show with 'Lady Torpedo and the Big Swing Brothers' (various South-East Queensland performances 2009/2010).

Miguel have their sights set on international touring and are currently finishing off their new EP, Take Me Home, which is scheduled for release during a national tour in mid 2011.

Sexier than gold lamé, hotter than LA in August, and almost as good as the second highball, it’s MIGUEL: the eight-piece sensation!

MIGUEL ARE:
Michael Rogers (vocals, trumpet, guitar), Mikael Strand (trombone), Bob Schultz (trumpet), Joshua Hatcher (baritone sax), Andrew Garton (alto sax), Samuel Vincent (double bass), Dave Spicer (piano), and Mark Henman (drums).

SELECTED APPEARANCES:
Woodford Folk Festival 2007/2008 to 2009/2010; Noosa Jazz Festival 2008, 2009; Darling Harbour Jazz Festival 2009; Ambiwerra Festival 2009; Brisbane Jazz Festival 2007; Brisbane International Film Festival Opening Night 2008; Queensland New Film Makers Awards 2008; The Supper Club Winter Season 2009; Judith Wright Centre 2008; Zuri Residency February/April 2009; Broadbeach Shades of Jazz Festival 2009; York Festival of Jazz and Soul 2009; The Arts Centre, Gold Coast 2010, Empire Theatre 2010, AUSfolk Conference 2010, Caloundra Music Festival 2010.