Recorded LIVE at Midwest Trust Center, Polsky Theater, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS
Jazz Ambassador Magazine recently featured Mikole in a performance review for the Joe Cartwright Quartet at The Blue Room in Kansas City (August 2023).
“Mikole is a great humanitarian, composer, and saxophonist.
His sincerity continues to push the music in a positive direction.”
"Turning East" is the compelling new sixth solo CD release from world-class Jazz musician Mikole E. Kaar! Mikole plays tenor and soprano sax, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, piano, and bassoon. Considered one of the most versatile woodwind artists in jazz, Mikole has played with some of the very best in the business.
When I started this project I was looking for musicians who could really play from the gut with the chops to back it up. I heard a recording of a project my friend Henry Franklin did with this rhythm section. I flipped when I heard Sam Hirsh. This guy swings so hard and is so incredibly melodic. In the studio he just added so many colors and ideas. The drummer (Yayo Morales) was kind of a hybrid of my 2 favorite drummers - Tony Williams and Elvin Jones. Ehwne I mentioned that to him he said “yes, they are my heroes!”
The Skipper (Henry Franklin) and I had played together most of the previous summer and I just love this guy. He sounded like a Mac truck barreling down the highway - Very powerful and strong. We played tenor and upright bass duets every week for 3 months and decided to get a band together and do a straight ahead record.
I asked Nolan Shaheed tor please come off the studio board and play a flugelhorn solo. He was magnificent. Thank you Nolan. So, one day Henry says “I have a girl that has got the most amazing sound.” I heard Alexis Joy for the first time singing on her project, a gospel composition “Motherless Child” and I thought she sounded like a jazz version of Whitney Houston…and she did.
Born in New York City, Mikole began studying clarinet at the age of nine. He was mentored by the great Clifford Scott, whom he knew growing up simply as "Scotty." Junior Walker and King Curtis were also some Mikole's R&B idols. Mikole continued to perfect his craft becoming both a clarinet & flute major in college.
In 1985, Mikole traveled to Europe to play jazz and in 1986, his original album, "Back to the Heart" was recorded and released in Germany on Heliocon Records. He later returned to the States and continued playing with jazz greats, among them Russell Freeman, Ti Lavitz, David Benoit, Johnny Hammond Smith, The Temptations, Bo Diddley, Joe Cocker, Rita Moreno, Otis Rush, Cash McCall, Bonnie Bramlett, The Drifters, the Coasters, The Platters, The Inkspots, and Al Wilson.
In 2003 Mikole traveled to China to do a run of shows in Hong Kong (performing at the Foreign Correspondents Club with Allen Youngblood) and Shanghai (at The Mandarin Gate with Dwight Dickerson and at The Ritz with Danny Woody).
Mikole has also appeared on several movie and television soundtracks. He has played in Europe, Hong Kong, and several International Jazz Festivals around the globe. “Turning East” is truly one for the collection from one very authentic, soulful, and accomplished performer.
Photographs by Peter Brenner
Mikole plays tenor and soprano sax and flute. Considered one of the most versatile woodwind artists in jazz, Mikole has played with some of the very best in the business. If you are interested in booking a concert, festival, or private event, please fill out the form below.
This is simply a request and does not constitute a confirmed appearance, contract, or a promise to appear. Mikole's team will contact you.
Produced by Henry “The Skipper” Franklin
Engineered by Nolan Shaheed at No Sound Studios - Pasadena, CA
Mixed and Mastered by Yayo Morales
Cover shot by Dennis DePew
Artwork and cover design by Yayo Morales
“This project of Mikole Kaar’s is by far the best...flute work is superb. Great job Mikole!”
“Mikole Kaar is an accomplished sax player, flutist, vocalist and composer, bringing a very personal touch to his music. It’s a pleasure to be part of this project.”
“When I listen to jazz, I listen to Mikole Kaar.”
“Mikole Kaar is a consummate performer...clearly deserving wider recognition in the Jazz field.”
“Mikole is a great humanitarian, composer, and saxophonist. His sincerity continues to push the music in a positive direction.”
By Patte Purcell
Jazz Jams are one of the staples of the Palm Springs music scene. I’ve attended Mikole E. Kaar’s jazz jams for years. His new one at The Block was packed last Wednesday night for his birthday party. Mikole plays sax, flute, piano and sings. He does primarily straight ahead jazz. He’s got Doug McDonald on guitar, Gilbert Hansen on bass and Dennis Burke on drums.
I’ve known Mikole Kaar for about 5 years. He always does a great job, but it wasn’t until I did this interview that I realized the amazing amount of musical experience he brings to the desert.
He played with the Coasters and Drifters. He was the contractor (who hires) for the Temptations. He played with Joe Cocker and did several soundtracks for movies including Twins where he played “Yakety Yak” with 2 Live Crew.
This enterprising man had his first song on the charts at age 13, a rock and roll band, The Mod Caps, with a tune called “She’s a Social Climber.” He opened for Billy Joel’s band, Hassles and The Young Rascals, in the South Hamptons as a teenager. How many musicians can boast that?
His love of jazz has taken him on the path he is on today. He has performed with straight-ahead jazz artists including Johnny Hammond Smith, Billy Larkins, Russ Freeman (Rippingtons) and David Benoit.
Mikole moved to the desert 11 years ago from Las Vegas, and about 5 years ago, started a weekly jazz jam at The Tavern in Palm Springs. He moved to A.J.s on the Green and has recently moved it to The Block in Cathedral City on Wednesdays from 7-10. Local musicians stop by and get the joint jumping and the party people come out in force!
The block is located in Cathedral City on the corner of Date Palm and Ramon. On Friday and Saturdays from 6-9 he’s at Nicolino’s (35325 Date Palm Drive) and also for brunch on Sundays from 10:30-2:00.
He is currently recording a new straight ahead jazz CD with 10 songs called Give em Heaven. He’s producing it himself at Dori Amarillo studio in LA. Mikole is a baby boomer who is living his dream and his message is “Don’t ever give up on your dream, age is not a factor.”
MIKOLE KAAR
Phone: (760)620-6238
Email: mikolekaar10@gmail.com
TO CONTACT MIKOLE DIRECTLY, CALL (760)620-6238.
MIKOLE PROUDLY ENDORSES:
