Mia Parsons - Singer/Songwriter

Mia Parsons is a singer whose voice has been described as being like 'chocolate'. A singer/songwriter with an unforgettable voice, her deeply moving music spans from jazz/funk to blues. Mia's distinctive, soulful voice is equally at home performing live at concert venues or at intimate festival performances.

Mia describes her voice as being her lifelong friend, reflecting the stories of her heart. The popular song, 'Song for my Son' on their first CD, MIA OCEAN and other Stories, is a beautiful, soulful lament for a lost child. This song takes the listener on Mia's own journey, as a young mother in a very different time, forced with the heartbreaking decision of giving her son up for adoption. Mia's songs explore and express universal themes that resonate with her listeners - full of love, loss, joy and triumph, they express the rich tapestry of life through her unique and beautiful voice.

Recently, Mia featured in a two-page feature in The Irish Times and in a 40-minute documentary for RTE1 Television. In addition to the recent CD release, she has worked on several projects, one of which was the sound track to the latest Bond Movie. She recorded Eamon Doyle's composition 'Casino Royale' (shortlisted to the final three).

She has worked with all the great Irish jazz musicians including Richie, Hugh and Michael Buckley, Greg Felton, Myles, Paul and Anto Drennan, the O'Donovan Brothers and Dave Fleming, to mention a few.

Her collaboration with Composer/Musician, Drazen Djerek, two years ago, has led to the formation of one of the most exciting musical performance groups in recent Irish musical history.

Drazen Djerek - Composer/Arranger & Guitarist

Born and educated in Croatia, Drazen originally qualified as a lawyer before pursuing a successful international career as a guitarist. A prodigiously versatile musician, he has the capacity to perform in many different genres; from classical to traditional folk to jazz and rock. He has been a featured soloist with the legendary Irish group The Chieftains, the Russian Gypsy group Lokyo and on tour with Passion and also The Three Irish Tenors, to name but a few. He regularly appears on television and radio and has a fine reputation as a composer and arranger.

Wayne Sheehy - Drummer/Percussionist

Wayne Sheehy is one of Irelands premier Drummer/Percussionists. Having performed extensively throughout the world, this exceptional musician brings an added dimension to MIA OCEAN.

Wayne has played with a host of performers from the world music stage including; Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones), Robert Palmer, Bo Diddley, Carl Carlton, Michelle Shocked, Bobby Womack, Damien Dempsey, Paul McGann, Hot House Flowers, Donavon, Juliet Turner, Paul Brady, The Chieftains, Pierce Turner, Mary Coughlin, Van Morrison, Andy Bono, to name a few!

WAYNES PRODUCTION/WRITING CREDITS.. Maggie Khiane album "Out to the World" The Unite Tribe "Enlocari" Paul Mc Gann "Falling Unaware". Wayne also enjoys touring, writing and recording.

Dave Fleming - Double Bass

Dave Fleming first studied piano and then gravitated to double bass in the Jazz arena in his early twenties. His diverse repertoire and strong harmonic sense has become a natural choice for accompanying visiting U.K. & American Musicians, including; Lynne Arriale, Scott Hamilton, Spike Robinson, Harold Land, Warren Vache, Teddy Edwards, Bobby Shew, Art Farmer, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Billy Eckstine, Jimmy Witherspoon, Van Morrison & Mose Allison, among many others. His discography includes recordings with US tenor player, Spike Robinson, the Tommy Halferty Quartet, Hugh Buckley Quartet, Van Morrison & The Chieftains and with the Irish Jazz Orchestra. In between times, Dave also has a busy schedule of TV, Radio, recordings & teaching.

Oleg Ponomarev - Violin

Oleg Ponomarev is best known for his 10-year performances and touring with the well-loved Russian Gypsy Band LOYKO. He has recorded more than fifteen albums with various musicians and has successfully performed nationally and internationally. After much globe trotting, Oleg has finally settled down in Ireland.? ?A talented and virtuosic violinist, Oleg has won worldwide critical acclaim, reflected in his many international awards and accolades - included a nomination of five stars for performance at the Edinborough Festival and composing a traditional score for Scottish Opera. His energized stage performance and renowned talent in both violin and group performance will contribute to the overall musical experience, that is MIA OCEAN.

MIA OCEAN is also accompanied by backing vocals.

Photographs by Roger Kenny Photography & Peadar O'Donoghue