Podcast 174: "Creative Commerciality" - A Conversation with Jason Miles

Jason Miles is a quadruple threat – artist, arranger, composer and producer. Add to that his experience in organizing benefit and tribute concerts, and you’ve got something of a Jazz Renaissance Man.  Podcast 174 incorporates that interview along with some musical selections, including: I first heard Jason on his tribute album to Miles Davis, Miles to Miles: In the Spirit of Miles Davis. It went beyond the typical CD of covers, with some inspired new compositions in the spirit of, and in tribute to, the great musician. Since then, I’ve enjoyed his tribute CDs to Ivan Lins (for which he won a Grammy), Weather Report and Grover Washington, Jr., as well as his collaboration with D.J. Logic and production chores for Freddy Cole, Gato Barbieri and Eric Marienthal.   Jason joined me for a telephone conversation about his upcoming participation in the 20th annual VF Outlet Berks Jazz Fest March 20th, leading an elite group of musicians in a concert entitled “Remembering a Legend -  Music of Grover Washington Jr.” Among those performing that evening with Jason will be Gerald Albright, Walter Beasley, Chante Moore, Randy Brecker, Jeff Golub, and Ralph MacDonald.     Jason Miles - “Ferrari” from Miles to Miles: In the Spirit of Miles Davis. The album title was inspired by the first time Jason ever met Davis, who sketched a little stick figure on a note pad and autographed it "Miles to Miles" with a little trumpet.  This track, co-written with Michael Brecker, gets its title from a high-speed drive that Miles and Jason took up the Pacific coast one day.   Sting - “She Walks This Earth” from A Love Affair: The Music of Ivan Lins. Lins was overdue for a tribute album, and Miles played a number of keyboards along with programming synthesizers and serving as producer for this tremendous introduction to the work of the great carioca singer. Co-written by Lins, it was never recorded before this 2000 session.   Jason Miles – “Trouble Man” from What’s Going On. A tribute CD to Marvin Gaye attracted a who’s who of smooth jazz musicians, covering classics like this slinky movie theme.   Global Noize - "A Jam 4 Joe" from Global Noize. Jason’s latest project integrating his keyboards with the turntables of DJ Logic.   Miles Davis - “Don't Lose Your Mind”   from Tutu. Credited with piano and synthesizers on this 1985 release, Jason’s friendship with Marcus Miller brought him into contact with one of his heroes. Jason handpicked this track for the podcast.   Jason Miles – “Loran’s Dance” from To Grover, With Love. A rousing finale to a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Grover Washington, Jr. took place when Michael and Randy Brecker teamed up with keyboard greats Joe Sample and Joey DeFrancesco.