ARTIST/BAND /GROUP INFORMATION
| Occupation(s) : | Saxophonist |
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.
The Verse
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.
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