Exploring the Musical Journey of Michael Miles

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Michael Miles sees Bach and Stevie Wonder as musical geniuses. Their music brings comfort in a challenging world. This sentiment reflects the intriguing and passionate insights Miles, a musician, teacher, producer, and performer, has shared over the years. Howard Reich, a former Tribune critic, once remarked on Miles’ grand vision, stating, “The man clearly does not dream small.”

Miles’ latest initiative is an album titled “Great American Jukebox,” featuring 11 songs. These include Stevie Wonder’s “As,” three Lennon-McCartney songs like “A Day in the Life,” “Madman Across the Water” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, “Black Magic Woman” by Peter Green, and “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim. His frequent collaborator, cellist Jill Kaeding, joins him on this album. They have played Bach, notably on “American Bach Revisited,” and now move to a broader range.

The album’s title, “Great American Jukebox,” alludes to the Great American Songbook, a collection of American popular tunes from the 20th century. Miles is promoting the album through concerts, including a performance on June 13 at the Old Town School of Folk Music, where he has been named musician and educator of the year.

Miles’ effort extends beyond the album. He established a YouTube channel and a website offering over 50 song arrangements available for purchase. “Great American Jukebox” emerged from a late-night idea, which he purchased online for $12. The album offers a unique perspective with songs “reimagined for solo fingerstyle guitar and for the chamber-like interplay of guitar and cello.”

Miles’ musical background encompasses more than the banjo. He holds a master’s degree in guitar performance from Northeastern University and has extensive teaching experience. Reflecting on his journey, Miles shares, “Playing both the banjo and guitar provides a balanced musical diet.” The new album allows Miles to explore the emotions behind compositions by artists like Carole King. The act of arranging is, for him, like solving a riddle.

The songs on this album resonate with listeners. As they hear familiar tunes, they mentally supply the lyrics, making the music more profound. Miles’ collaborative spirit is evident from past projects, including collaborations under the “Panorama” title, blending music with spoken word, film, and other performances. Kaeding often participated, highlighting the successful partnership.

Jukebox memories strike a chord with many audiences, as this medium played a vital role in American music history. Chicago was once a hub for jukebox manufacturing with companies like Seeburg, Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola, and AMI dominating this market. Only Rock-Ola survives today, having moved to Southern California in 1992. The company bears its founder David Rockola’s name, unrelated to rock ‘n’ roll, a detail Miles found delightful.

Miles believes everyone has an “inner jukebox.” He describes composers as painters, using musical notes like colors on a palette. Exploring these songs allows him to uncover their deeper meanings.

Listening to “Great American Jukebox” repeatedly enriches the experience. On his website, Miles quotes William Blake: ‘Mine is to create, not to compare.’ Miles aspires to create and share deeply, a philosophy central to his performances.