CM
–Jason, I’ve seen the interviews on your website and I ‘d like to use one
of your questions: When did you know that Music would be your life’s
work?
JM
– In college. Living in New York, I got to hear great artists in the clubs
there. They had great songs and great melodies.
CM
– What motivated your decision to produce a second tribute album to Grover
Washington Jr, ‘2 Grover With Love’?
JM -
I’ve been listening to the old Grover Washington Jr. records and realised
how many great songs I’ve missed. Grover could really play jazz – he could
play anything.
CM
– When I listen back, I hear how soulful his playing was.
JM
– Exactly. Soulful and melodic.
CM
– Bob Davis is quoted as saying about you “Jason Miles is doing a whole
lot more than most to make sure that the legacy of Black music is
something that indeed will have a future”. Is this a thing you’ve
consciously set out to do?
JM
– It’s just what I do. I have worked with so many black artists my whole
career. I have always been into the music of Motown, Stax, and jazz of
course. I have been drawn to that music as an influence. That is why I
have spent so much time bringing the focus of the music to the public eye.
CM
– You mentioned to me separately that Global Noize have new material and
also touring commitments for the fall. Could you tell me more about that?
JM
– Yes, we’re working on the songs right now. We have a concept for the
album but we’re not talking about it yet. We have a new manager and we’re
going to be doing live dates. We’re trying to get to Europe also.
CM
– You’re playing the Monterey Jazz Festival I believe?
JM – Yes, September 18th.
CM
– Is DJ Logic part of the band again?
JM
– Yes, he’s an integral part of it. We have a 6-piece band that also
includes a female Indian singer. She has a fabulous voice.
CM
– How did you meet DJ Logic?
JM
– I met him at the Moogfest in October 2006. I was having a bad week and
then he called me and said ‘do you want to play a show at the Blue Note
together?’ I said ‘sure, when?’ He said ‘tonight’ – so we did a show
starting at 1 AM, which was great. Since then we’ve played to very
receptive audiences in Marrakech and we’ve played New Orleans too.
CM
– I read that you’re interested in electronic chill music – that’s massive
in Europe. Do you think you might produce/record a CD like that?
JM
– There are elements of that in ‘What’s Going On?’ the tribute to Marvin
Gaye. It’s done in a very melodic way.
CM
– I always ask this, but with a huge list of artists that you’ve worked
with, is there anyone you’d still like to work with? Have I got you there?
JM
– I’d like to work with Bebel Gilberto, I’d like to work with Derek Trucks
more and also Kirk Whalum. I’d really like to work with Dr John – he has
that New Orleans thing going on… And I’d like to work with some older
artists who may be looking for a change of direction.
CM
– I heard the CD you worked on with Freddy Cole. I never heard him before
I reviewed that CD…
JM
– ‘In the Name of Love’, that is a great record.
CM
– Whose music are you currently listening to an enjoying?
JM
– Christian Scott, Stacey Kent, Patricia Barber, Melody Gardot. I like to
listen to Suzy Bogguss too – I’m so proud of that record we did together.
All the songs on it are great and they all have a character.
CM
– Well, Jason, thank you. I’m looking forward to the new Global Noize
album and to keeping up with you over the coming weeks and months.
JM
– Thanks Chris.
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