Album Notes

While still studying jazz at Humber College (Toronto), bassist Dustin Shaskin met the passionate and dedicated musicians who would soon become The Café Olé. These band members include vocalist Celia Palli (from Barcelona, Spain), pianist Scott Metcalfe, flamenco guitarist Benjamin Barrile, saxophonist Mike Murley, bassist Dustin Shaskin, percussionist Diego las Heras, and drummer Max Senitt,

After officially forming in November 2005, The Café Olé began playing local Toronto music venues and Ontario music festivals. A 2008 Canadian festival tour is currently being planned.

On April 1, 2007 The Café Olé received a grant from the Ontario Arts Council to help them record their debut album "Cuanto Tardaré," which translates to “How Long Will It Take Me.” The Café Olé worked with accomplished jazz producer Roberto Occhipinti. Also on the band’s debut album is featured saxophonist and multi-Juno award winner Mike Murley. The CD release concert was held on Sept 26, 2007 at Hugh’s Room (Toronto). The album has been receiving generous local, regional, and national airplay through CBC radio and college stations.

Cuanto Tardaré recently won Best Latin-Jazz Album and Best Latin-Jazz Song (Café Olé) in the 2007 Toronto Exclusive Music Awards. The band also won 2 prestigious songwriting awards; “Cuanto Tardaré” won the 2007 Luis Advis International Songwriting Competition in Chile, and “Mujer de Ojos Color Triste” won the Song-of-the-year award from SongOfTheYear.com (best jazz/instrumental song). The album was nominated for Best Jazz Album at the 2007 Toronto Independent Music Awards and the 2007 Ontario Independent Music Awards.