Joel Miller
Saxophone - Tenor; Saxophone - Soprano

(Active in the Montreal Scene)

Since the release of his first CD, Find A Way (Page Music), in late 1996, saxophonist Joel Miller has come on to the Canadian jazz scene as one of the country's brightest hopes. "...His solos are supremely melodic- Think of Stan Getz, or of John Coltrane at his most wistful... a terrific debut CD." - Mark Miller, The Globe and Mail. Miller’s growing reputation as a leader with a vision first led to an invitation to perform his ambitious original works as part of the Saison Jazz 1996 concert series in Montreal and a session for CBC’s Jazz Beat. The results proved promising as Miller captivated listeners with the ingenuity of his groundbreaking compositions.

Events culminated in his winning of the Grand Jazz Award at the 1997 Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. Since then, Miller has had numerous concert appearances as a leader. Highlights have included travelling with his band to perform at the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. He has also played at jazz festivals, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival in 1998 and clubs across North America. All the while he continued to develop his warm expressive style by playing with such notables as Ingrid Jensen, Charles Ellison, Jeff Johnston, Brad Turner, Wray Downes, Steve Amirault, Roddy Elias, and Michel Lambert.

In May 1998, Miller completed his second recording entitled Playgrounds (Justin-Time Records) which featured his compositions arranged for a jazz quintet with strings. Ottawa Citizen’s Peter Hum praised his writing and playing saying he crafted "discreet dissonance" with his innovative use of a string section. "...He uses the instumentation inventively, and composes extended forms with surprising sections...". Featured artists include trumpet player Joe Sullivan, pianist Tilden Webb, bassist Brian Hurley and drummer Joel Haynes.

Born in Sackville, New Brunswick, Miller first discovered jazz by listening to his mother’s record collection and to Gilles Archambault’s "Jazz Soliloque" on Radio Canada. In 1983, encouraged by his father-classical composer Michael Miller-he joined the Mount Allison University big band. Studies then followed with alto saxophonist Don Palmer in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which inspired Miller and instilled in him a determination to learn the language of the jazz masters.

In 1988, Miller moved to Montreal to attend McGill University’s music program, which led to an appearance in 1992 at the Guinness Jazz Festival in Ireland with the McGill Big Band. After graduating with high distinction, Miller attended the Banff Jazz Workshop, where he submerged himself in the music and teachings of Kenny Wheeler, Chucho Valdés and Pat Labarbera. Miller’s work with Latin jazz artist Joé Armando has led to performances with him at the National Gallery in Ottawa, The Montreal Jazz Festival, as well as opening for Tito Puente, Ray Baretto and Yuli Bonaventura. In 1998 Miller was inspired from taking part in an International composing residency at Music/Omi in New York where he was able to collaborate with Mozambique musician Zé Maria.

2001 proved to be a busy year for Miller and his sextet Playgrounds as they toured across Canada to promote their latest album ...And Then Everything Started To look Different... (Effendi Records). The tour was a success as they received acclaim from critics and audiences alike. "...We hear an exuberant and imaginative musician, at the top of his game, who has assembled a broad sonic and stylistic mix....It’s infectious. - Irwin Block, The Gazette. This year also included a premiere performance of his suite Finding the River, written for his Playgrounds Orchestra, at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. The performance was chosen as "The best of the fest" by Montreal Gazette critic T’cha Dunlevy.

Reviews:
Joel Miller - Find A Way by Heather McLeod
 

Articles:
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal - 1997 - Awards (Jim Little)
Joel Miller wins 1997 du Maurier Jazz Award and Dinah Vero receives the SOCAN bursary.