Tribute album for Emil Mijares, 'Grandfather of Pinoy jazz' out in US soon

A tribute CD will be released in Los Angeles in the United States on June 16 for the late Emil Mijares, dubbed the "Grandfather of Philippine jazz," a report of the news site Asian Week said. Mijares, who passed away in 2007, was a pianist, arranger, composer, studio musician and musical director  whose career has spanned for several decades. Entitled "Reflections," the CD is a compilation of the lifeworks of Mijares, who was also a teacher and mentor to many Filipino musicians, such as Charmaine Clamor, a vocalist and pioneer of “Jazzipino.” "Reflections" is produced by Ric Ickard and Mijares’ son Gabriel Mijares along with creative director Alvin H. Reyes. The launching of the CD will be held at The Gano Promenade, 4828 4th Street, Irwindale, California, Asian Week said.

 

Some of the performers during the CD launching include:

 

 

Mijares won several awards during his career:

 

1950-60s - Several CAT awards

 

1971 – One of Asia’s Top Jazz Artists in Asia Magazine

 

1979 - Cecil award for Best Musical Director

 

1980s - Aliw awards for Best Jazz Performer and Best Musical Director

 

2004 – Granted a lifetime achievement award by Jazz Society of the Philippines USA

 

He also performed with musical giants Nat King Cole, Teddy Edwards, Kevyn Lettau, Denzil “Broadway” Miller to name a few.

 

As a musical director he worked with Pilita Corrales, Carmen Soriano and Nelda Navarro.

 

More information about Mijares is available on the official website of the event. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News