Banjo Playing as Never Before

Banjo Playing as Never Before

Michael J. Miles Creates New Pathways of Sound for the 5-String Banjo in Recent CD Release - #13 Nationwide on the Folk DJ Airplay List

Collaborating on his new CD with world-class artists Bela Fleck, Jackie Allen and others, Chicago composer and banjoist Michael Miles draws his inspiration from the classical recital hall, the jazz club, back porch blues, Morocco and homegrown singing.

CHICAGO, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- There are many surprising sounds to be heard on the unprecedented recording and recent CD release entitled "New Century Suite."

This is the banjo as never before. "Miles' New Century Suite, his fourth recording, features sparkling, passionate and often brilliant playing, beautiful banjo tone, complex rhythms and textures," says author and critic Ken Perlman. Recently, this just released recording rose to #13 nationwide on the Folk DJ Airplay list.

Reaching inside his instrument to discover new possibilities outside bluegrass and other traditional styles, composer and 5-string banjo player Miles has created something that is very new. While the compositions explore modes, chromaticism and meter, they each bear Miles' own exquisite sound, along with his engaging rhythms, rising melodies and the distinctive work of his collaborators.

On the title track, "New Century Suite," Blue Note jazz vocalist Jackie Allen creates an improvised vocal line that mirrors and harmonizes with the banjo. She also adds harmonies to Miles' vocal interpretations of the traditional "When Things Go Wrong" and Richard Thompson's "Vincent Black Lightning." Renowned banjo artist Bela Fleck then duels with Miles in the 10- minute "Chicago Trilogy." Author, recording artist and critic Ken Perlman described this particular collaboration as a "seamless, sparkling and fascinating interplay."

Other artists appearing on the CD include master mandolinist Don Stiernberg, double bassist Hans Sturm, 5-string electric bassist Bob Lizik of the Brian Wilson Ensemble, alto flutist Rich Fudoli and Tony Dale (Chi Lites, Duke of Earl) on the drums.

The CD closes with the two-movement "Firefly Sonata," featuring Chicago composer and arranger Bradley Williams on piano. Between the constant ascending and percussive musical lines of Miles' banjo and the jazz-tinged piano playing of Williams, the two come up with spontaneous moments that could never be scripted.

And somehow, in the midst of all this contemporary and improvisational artistry, Miles takes "time out" with a lovely and sincere rendition of Bach's "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring." It is as if to remind us that, while forging new and untried musical pathways, one cannot forget those past contributors who have helped define and shape the art form as we have known it for the past 300 years.

For further information regarding Michael Miles as well as a copy of his recent CD release, contact Michael Miles direct at 847-486-0418, Michael@MilesMusic.org; http://www.milesmusic.org/.

Extraordinary Reviews for New Century Suite

Although New Century Suite has just been out a few short months, it has been met with great enthusiasm.

"One of the finest banjo recordings I've ever come across." George Maida, PBS (May 2005)

"Michael J. Miles' New Century Suite features sparkling, passionate, and often brilliant playing, beautiful banjo tone, complex rhythms and textures." Ken Perlman, Banjo Newsletter

"Musician and educator Michael J. Miles is a walking repository of music history ... " Monica Kendrick, Chicago Reader

"Ranked #13 nationwide for the month of April 2005 on the Folk DJ Airplay list." http://www.folkradio.org/airplay/apr05.html

BACKGROUND on Miles' earlier work

"Miles has dared to take on some of the most dramatic and profound music ever written, and succeeded." Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune on recording, "American Bach"

"Give the banjo to master musician, Michael J. Miles, and you will hear a mighty soul-stirring sound." Hedy Weiss, Chicago SunTimes on recording, "The Magic Banjo"

"This is one of the most beautiful I've ever heard ... this is enough to make me want to learn the banjo all over again!" Pete Seeger on recording, "Counterpoint"

Source: Michael J. Miles

CONTACT: Michael Miles, +1-847-486-0418, Michael@MilesMusic.org; or Publicist, Trish Doll of Publicity Works, +1-717-445-6377, tdoll@publicity-works.com

Web site: http://www.folkradio.org/airplay/apr05.html

Web site: http://www.milesmusic.org/

------- Profile: Ent