Joseph Omicil Jr. “Jowee O” was born in Montreal, Canada. He began playing
the Alto Saxophone at the age of 15 when as part of the music ministry in his
father’s church but it was an instant love affair between him and the Alto sax.
Just three short years following his introduction to the Alto, “Jowee O” was
accepted at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston where he
majored in Music Education. There he added the Soprano Sax to his arsenal.
During his tenure at Berklee, he found his best friend and mentor, Kenny Garrett
and rose to the top to later on share stage with many like, Branford Marsalis,
Richard Bona, Mike Stern, Marcus Miller, Pharoah Sanders, Jeff Tain Watts,
Wyclef Jean and Marlon Saunders to name a few. Throughout his college
career, he devoted many hours helping young people as a tutor and mentor for
their musical growth. Through these programs “Jowee O” first experienced
American gospel at Greater Love Tabernacle where, as a Pastor’s son, he held
the position of Musical Director Assistant. He later went on to further his
education as he entered the Thelonius Monk Institute among the 20 “hand-
picked” around the US and was featured on BET Jazz.
Kenny Garrett and many other Jazz greats as Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane and
Miles Davis influenced his craft. “Jowee O” landed his first major performance
when he was asked to play with Trumpeter, Darren Barrett. A few years later he
recorded on Darren’s solo project “Attack of Wren: Wrenaissance”. In 2001
“Jowee O” returned to Montreal. He was also introduced to Bethoova Obas, an
international vocalist/guitarist, with whom he continues to record and perform
worldwide at International and National Festivals including the St. Lucia Jazz
Festival. After Berklee, “Jowee O” began his work in Music Education as Chair
of the Music Department at Mission Hill School, Boston, MA. He held this
position for four years while performing with his group during his free time. He
also created and developed the Musical Department at Bronx Preparatory
Charter School and taught for 2 years.
The Chorus
In September of 2003, he signed a full endorsement deal with, distinguished
Parisian saxophone company, P. Mauriat who recently added renowned
saxophonists James Carter and Greg Osby. Armed with new instruments,
“Jowee O “was once again well equipped to continue his journey of sharing.
During the spring of 2005 “Jowee O” toured Europe with Roy Hargrove,”RH
Factor”. “Jowee O” then moved from Boston to New York City, where he held
the position of Musical Assistant at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn.
The Hook
Four years from his very first recording session with Darren Barrett, “Jowee O”
released his CD “Let’s Do This” on March 21, 2006 to much industry acclaim.
The Jazz World is hooked !
Contact: bbjuiss1@aol.com or joweejuise@gmail.com or 305-206-5454
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
2008
Fete de la Musique- Port-au-Prince, Haiti with Mushy and Joel Widmaier and
Richard Barbot (Institut Francais and Quartier Latin)
City of Miami, Mayor Manny Diaz and Commissioners, Grand Opening, Little
Haiti Cultural Center
Festival International de Jazz de Port-au-Prince (Institut Français and Parc de
la Canne a Sucre and Latin Quarter)
Recording of new album with 2-times Grammy Award winner Lionel Loueke
(Herbie Hancock), Jeremy Pelt and Francisco Mela
Guest appearance with Kenny Garrett at Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club,
January 2nd
2007
Jowee Omicil at Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, Miami, Fl
City of Savannah Monument Unveiling Ceremony, Savannah, Georgia
Jazz in the Park, North Miami , Fl for Miami Dade County Commissioner Rolle
Commissioner Barbara Jordan’s Neighborhood Park Concert, Miami Gardens, Fl
Brandford Marsalis, Arturo Jazz Club, Miami, Fl
Javon Jackson, Arturo Jazz, Miami, Fl
Mike Stern, Richard Bona appearance at the Montreal Jazz Festival, Canada
Nike-Tournament of Champions, Miami, Fl
Jowee Omicil and The Core, SOBs, New York, NY
2006
. Jimmy Cozier, SOB’s, New York, NY
. 2nd Annual Haitian Jazz Festival, Irving Plaza, New York, NY
• Mozayik, Dizzy’s Coco Cola, Lincoln Center, New York, NY
• Jowee Omicil & The Core, Smalls Jazz Club, New York, NY
• Mozayik, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, New Jersey
• Emeline Michel, Schomburg Center for Research on Black Culture, New York, NY
• Yakengue, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal CA
• Rachel, Francophofolie Music Festival, Montreal CA
• Phantom Power Cumbo, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal CA
• 1st Annual Haitian Jazz Festival, Bongo Café, Miami, FL
• “Let’s Do this” Montreal Release, Boodha Bar & Lounge, Montreal CA
• “Let’s Do this” preview, Dunton Academy, Montreal, CA
• Emeline Michel, Joe’s Pub, New York, NY
• Renee Neufville, Jazz Standard, New York, NY
• “Let’s Do This” New York Release, Sugar Bar, New York, NY
• Gordon Chambers, Blue Note, New York, NY • Mark Whitfield, Jazz Standard, NY
2005
• Jason Linder, Blue Note, NY
• Grant Green Jr., Blue Note, NY
• Richard Bona, Zinc Bar, NY
• Roy Hargrove, RH Factor, 2005 European Tour
• Terrence Blanchard, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Jazz Club, NY
• Mozayik, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Jazz Club, NY• Marcus Miller, BB Kings, NY Renee
Neufville, Jazz Standard, NY
2004
Kenny Garrett and Pharoah Sanders, Regatta Bar, MA
2003
• Marcus Miller, Scullers Jazz Club, MA • Beethova Obas Group, St. Lucia Jazz Festival
• Marcus Miller, Caen Theatre, Paris
2002
• Darren Barrett Quintet, Various Venues/ Festivals, MA and Abroad
• Wyclef Jean, Foxboro Stadium, MA
• Harold Faustin, Montreal Jazz Festival, Canada
• Emeline Michel, Montreal Francophofolie, Canada
______________________________________________________________________
March 13, 2006
For Immediate Release:
Saxman, Jowee Omicil has been called the future and present of Jazz, the
“Virtuoso” of Jazz; a title that he humbly carries. A quick tune to his first CD
project “Let’s Do This” confirms what the people are saying. “Let’s Do This” is
both spiritual and evocative with a touch of gospel-soul and hip hop.
Saxophonist/Producer/Composer/Educator–“Let’s Do this” was recorded in
Montreal and featured: bassist, Chris Pottinger, who is currently on tour with
Anthony Hamilton; organist John Gibson, Music Director for Greater Love
Tabernacle, MA.; drummer Charles Haynes, who played with the incredible
Stanley Clarke; on electronic malletkat (Vibe), Warren Wolfe has played with
Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Special Guest
appearances from Montreal, guitarists Harold Faustin and Eric Asswab add an
international spice and last but not least, Britney Spears’ guitarist, Skip
Dorsey’s soulful acoustic contribution on “Midnight Breeze”. All twelve tracks on
“Let’s Do This” were written and produced by Jowee with the exception of “D’s
Joint” – written and produced by Darren Barrett.
The single “Straight in my Pocket”, Is a suave introduction of artistry and the
percussive. “J n Jn” is guaranteed to make you nod your head. This musical
carnage is crowned with ” G.O.R.E.T.H”, an inspired ballad.
“Let’s Do This” is a brand new Instrumental Jazz flavor that is at the same time
“catchy”, melodic, harmonious and funky. March 21st, 2006 marked the official
release of this incredible solo project.
