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Solo Concerts "Genius...in a musician's paradise, the viral videos would be artists like Michael J. Miles playing his banjo."
A master player of a diverse range of banjo styles -- notably clawhammer -- and an equally skilled guitarist, Michael creates a unique kaleidoscope of swirling musical textures that have surprised and delighted audiences on three continents for decades.
Many concerts feature Michael playing highly unusual instruments like his 1855 Ashborn fretless banjo that links soulful 19th century vocals to 20th century blues, and the ancient hajuj from Morocco, one the grand elders of the drum-with-string banjo.
Whatever the instrument, Michael's artistry and the music he produces consistently transcend expectations and genre.
Think you know what banjo sounds like?
“Most beautiful I’ve heard….this is enough to make me want to learn the banjo all over again.” - Pete Seeger |
Michael plays his composition, "Chicago Trilogy." On his New Century Suite recording, this tune is part of 11 minute performance featuring Bela Feck playing a second banjo line, and Bob Lizik (Beach Boys) playing an exquisite bass line.
In this video, Michael demonstrates this Ashborne banjo and describes more detail about its builder and its magical sounds. This remarkable instrument was known in 1855 as the "Steinway" of the banjo world. |
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.
