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Ensemble Concerts “And what an ensemble it was: string quartet, jazz trumpter, two vocalists and a sleek little rhythm section. With this kind of support, the humble banjo could make the walls of Jericho fall.” - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune Michael J. Miles is well known for his ensemble concerts that take the spirit of his solo works and American song classics to the streets of the world -- Chicago, Morocco, Lebanon, Brazil.
With Michael playing primarily banjo and guitar, these cross-cultural musical collaborations and explorations feature a wide array of musicians and instruments: from conventional drums and international percussion like tabla to trumpet, flugelhorn, bass, vibes, guitar, other banjos, a string quartet and the beautiful sound of the human voice.
Michael Miles in concert in Meknes, Morocco with Abdelilah el Miry and Nasser Houaria.
The musical performance mix is always changing and always delightful, with spectacular nationally and internationally known players seamlessly weaving complex musical textures built upon Michael's original compositions and classics like Buddy Holly's “Maybe Baby,” Johnny Mercer’s “One for My Baby," Richard Thompson’s “Vincent Black Lightning” and the Rolling Stones "Sway." Sway (Mick Jagger & Keith Richards)
Michael Miles ensemble concerts can be staged with varying levels of stage decoration, from elegantly minimalist presentations that define the physical space with simply with light to more lavish presentations that utilize sophisticated projected visual elements that mirror and enhance the musical selections.
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Miles performs his composition "Guaracha." Miles performs his composition "Melodious Pich." |
About Michael J. Miles
• Musician
• Composer
• Performing Artist
• Musical Playwright
• Educator
When Pete Seeger first heard Michael Miles, he sent a letter to Michael saying that "in all my 70 years this is among the most beautiful recordings I’ve ever heard...it is enough to make me want to learn the banjo all over again.”
Michael Miles is one of America’s most inventive clawhammer banjo players. Add guitar, vocals, jazz instruments, orchestras and complex historically-themed theatrical presentations to the mix and, two decades later, Michael has a critically acclaimed catalog of original compositions, stage performances, music CD’s and music instruction books.
Michael Miles performance credits include the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institution, Ravinia Festival, Harris Theatre in Chicago, American University in Beirut, and the Royal Opera Theatre in Marrakesh.
From 1984-1998, Michael served as the Program Director at the Old Town School of Folk Music bringing the school to international acclaim. Under his guidance the student population grew from 200 students to over 4000. From 2005-2007, Michael was honored as the school's first ever Artist-In-Residence. He remains as active member of the faculty teaching clawhammer banjo and fingerstyle guitar.
With an MA in Music Performance and Pedagogy, Michael is also a music educator whose work ranges from introducing kindergarten students to their earliest musical experiences to leading postgraduate study for professional musicians and music teachers.
Current projects include new fingerstyle guitar arrangements of the Great American Songbook and the works of Stevie Wonder; new compositions for the banjo and expanded ensemble; and new stage productions.
