Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"Lively syncopated music identified with a bygone era...Kaar is an adept improvisor on all his horns..and when he plays tenor, I could not shake the feeling of listening to a 1940's band...these musicians perform with top-notch professionalism and a bit of flair...The session is- a retrospective journey down a well-traveled road where the tunes are familiar and the improvisations are enjoyable. - Frank Rubolino
"Incredible talent. A master of many instruments. Good balance of tunes. Hey, he could maybe teach Kenny G. how to play MUSIC on soprano sax, instead of wearing out the keypads on each tune!" - Tom Phillips
"This album will delight those who admire performers who are adept at more than one instrument, and that Kaar certainly is."
"using the bassoon as a solo instrument in a jazz setting is quite rare."
" the sax work is equally as acceptable, especially on a good killer-diller arrangement of "I Found A New Baby." - Dave
"Mikole is a very accomplished musician...lot of hard work to play one instrument that well, but to play six as well as he does is nothing short of amazing.
Jazz Bassoon, who'd of thought?" - Chick Corea Band, The Rippingtons
Mikole Kaar - Six Horn Strut 4+/4
O's Notes: Reedmaster Mikole Kaar has a strong sense of swing that helps him keep pace with the best in class. There are some nice arrangements here especially "I Love Paris" and "Gentle Rain" including some nice work on guitar by Pat Danna. But what makes this CD stand out is the varied character of the melodies coming from Kaar. He uses sax, flute, clarinet and even the bassoon to freshen these classics.
- D. Oscar Groomes
Mikole Kaar - WOW, This musician really got my attention. It's sad that we don't have more jazz on bassoon. That instrument has such a unique sound that captures your ear right away and you just have to hear what chords and phrases he'll come up with. A-1 Disc - Roger Burns "Jazz Memories"
Discography
RECORDINGS:
Mikole E. Kaar- Six Horn Strut (MC Music) 2003
Mikole E. Kaar- A Fifth of Midnight (MC Music) 2001
Mikole E. Kaar- Victory in the Morning ( Independent) 1996
Cash McCall- Cash Upfront (Blues Classics) 1995
2 Live Crew- Yakety Yak (MCA Records) 1987
Mikole E. Kaar- Back to the Heart( Heliocon Records) 1986
The Modcaps- She's A Social Climber(Independent) 1965
MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS:
Yakety Yak- Twins; One Way or Another- Jackknife; Roll With The Punches, Feel So Good Today- Kickboxer
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Born in New York City, Mikole began studying the clarinet at the age of 9. He attended California State University, Northridge and the Dick Grove School of Music, while cramming in private lessons with Warren Marsh, Don Menza and Charlie Shoemake.
Mikole departed from his traditional jazz roots in the 70's to play with The Drifters, The Coasters, Ink Spots, Platters, Al Wilson, The Temptations and even did a date or two with Joe Cocker. He found himself working in the blues world with artists such as Cash McCall, Bo Diddley and Otis Rush.
Finally, in 1985, he was able to travel to Europe playing jazz and touring. In 1986, his album of jazz originals "Back To The Heart" was recorded on Heliocon Records, and released in Germany. He has never strayed since, playing with jazz notables Russell Freeman, Ti Lavitz, David Benoit and the late Johnny Hammond Smith. In 1996, while performing in the contemporary arena of jazz, he released his album "Victory In the Morning."
As the new century dawns, Mikole finds himself full circle, playing with a darker melodic sound on tenor, reminisent of Ben Webster, The Hawk, Zoot Sims and of course, The Prez- Lester Young. Although there is that thread of memory running through his sound, you will definitely hear Mikole's own voice in everything he blows. And, of course, you'll be surprised and delighted with his wide-open approach to a heretofore-classical instrument, The Bassoon. The release of his album, "A Fifth of Midnight" met with positive accolades. His current project "Six Horn Strut" was released in September 2003. "Six Horn Strut" offers the listener a soulful taste of his versatality. He plays six horns, tenor sax, bass clarinet, bassoon, flute, clarinet, and soprano sax on this new release.
His clarinet days have evolved to include an array of horns. He uses all his instruments to express his unique voice.
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