

sMiLes: Freedom in Every Note
SAISON
2026
LINE-UP
5tet
Miles Davis didn’t just play music – he transformed it. A sound revolutionary, a rule-breaker. And Jowee Omicil? He carries that same spirit within him. But sMiLes is no classic tribute album (release date: 11.11.25). No covers, no imitations – this is about what happens when music breaks free and asks: What comes next?
Jowee Omicil cannot be boxed into any genre. Saxophones, clarinets, flutes, pocket trumpet, and Rhodes – every instrument is a tool for boundless creativity. The passionate performer is a true burst of energy for the soul. His sound flows effortlessly between Afro-Haitian rhythms, jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and much more, always guided by his philosophy: Trust the note. With sMiLes, Jowee doesn’t follow in Miles Davis’ footsteps – he ventures into new terrain. His compass? Risk, groove, and spontaneous magic.
Imagine the stage as a portal: Jowee, surrounded by his instruments and a sound that can only be experienced. Between Cap-Haïtien and 52nd Street, between the Vodou drums of Haiti and the free, cosmic soundscapes of an open jam session. Each track is a world of its own – unique, never the same. Jowee embodies the spirit of fearless reinvention. Every concert is a premiere – with sMiLes, he takes music to a new dimension of freedom, where every note is a discovery and every moment is a surprise.
Before jazz was a genre, it was a ritual. Before bebop became a language, it was a dance. And before Miles became a legend, he was a sound that couldn’t be captured. sMiLes channels this untamed energy. It’s not about playing Miles, it’s about unleashing the energy he left behind – bending time, breaking structures, and welcoming the unexpected.
“Miles taught us to be fearless, embrace imperfection, and trust the moment,” says Jowee. sMiLes continues that legacy – a celebration of freedom in its purest form.
Born in Montreal to Haitian parents, Jowee Omicil’s musical journey has taken him from his father’s churches to Berklee College, and then to the streets of New York. He has worked with legends like Tony Allen, Roy Hargrove, and André 3000, hosted Quincy Jones’ 85th birthday celebration in Montreux, and starred in Damien Chazelle’s Netflix series The Eddy.
“With Jowee, you never know what’s coming next – but you can be sure it’s going to be amazing.”
MUSICIANS
Line-Up:
Jowee Omicil (saxes, clarinets, flutes, pocket trumpet, Rhodes, vocals)
Jendah Manga (bass)
Frank Mantegari (drums)
Yoann Danier (drums)
Jonathan Jurion (piano)
OR: Jowee Omicil & The BasH!Band
Jowee Omicil creates something truly special with The BasH!Band — a band made up of fresh, local talent from each country he performs in. Rather than relying on a set group of musicians, Jowee thrives on discovering and collaborating with emerging artists. The result is a unique, ever-evolving sound that brings excitement and creativity to every performance.
How it works:
Local Talent: The tour producer, promoter, or artistic director selects young, local musicians to join Jowee for the concert.
Rehearsals: Jowee arrives one day before the first rehearsal and works with the band for two days to prepare. Read more about Jowee’s educational programs: www.bashakademy.com
This concept celebrates new talent and fosters a collaborative atmosphere where both the audience and musicians experience something fresh and exciting each time.