Tantramar Gets 5 stars in the Montreal Gazette!
9/8/2010 12:29:13 AM - Following up on the creative breakthrough of his Mandala project, Montreal saxophonist/composer Joel Miller has been inspired by the natural delights of his former home near the Tantramar Marshes of Sackville, N.B., to offer another life-affirming set, delivered energetically by a turned-on band. Joyful exuberance pours out from the opening bars of Hospital Loop where Miller, reed man Bruno Lamarche and trumpeter Bill Mahar lead the way in unison, creating wonderful, appealing sounds that will inspire people to turn up the volume on their speakers, digital hearing aids and mp3 players. On the short, quirky Aulochrome, Miller weaves lovely lines on soprano over the polyrhythmic patterns of guitarist Kenny Bibace, percussionist Thom Gossage and bassist Fraser Hollins. Longer pieces include a bluesy tribute to the late saxophonist Boogie Gaudet, and Syriana, where saxophone explorations are answered by Bibace's strong guitar solo - music that is challenging and appealing. Rating 5
IRWIN BLOCK -Montreal Gazette
"A very happening tenor player [who] has a very able ear for composition... [and] one of those sounds on tenor that makes you very glad that there is such a thing as the tenor saxophone. . . someone worth pursuing."

-- - Katie Malloch, CBC’s Jazz Beat (17/09/98)
"Miller is not only a thoughtful and melodic player, but also a creative composer who manages the rare feat of being progressive and accessible at the same time."

-Alex Hutchinson -The Ottawa Citizen

-- The Ottawa Citizen 8/18/2008
"Very attractive and universally accessible music. It's some of the best original contemporary jazz heard recently"

-Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide


-- All Music Guide, August 2008
"Smart and full of joy"

Mike Chamberlain -The Hour (Montreal)


-- The Hour, August 21st, 2008
Le récit d'un compositeur
Tantramar Gets 5 stars in the Montreal Gazette!
A CD report - Joel Miller | Mandala
'Paranoise' By Any Other Name