Mulgrew Miller Returns to Recording With "The Sequel" on MAXJAZZ (September 17)

Reunites Miller with Wingspan, the group he founded over 15 years ago

At age 46, Mulgrew Miller is one of the most acclaimed -- and recorded -- jazz pianists of his generation. In a 1995 NEW YORK TIMES poll, he was selected as the “most in-demand" pianist in jazz and was also listed by the venerable Hank Jones as one of Jones' favorite pianists. Yet while he is respected by his peers and embraced by audiences worldwide, Miller always believes he has more to learn, which partly explains his self-imposed seven-year absence from recording as a leader.

Before making his MAXJAZZ debut The Sequel -- the label's 4th Piano Series release - Miller played only as a sideman (on more than 200 recordings it should be noted) in the past seven years. “I needed to take time to reflect on how I wanted to grow in music and to find my place in the music world," he says.

It is interesting that sometimes to move forward, an artist must go back. For Miller, this meant reuniting with Wingspan, the reputable quintet he founded over 15 years ago, to create The Sequel, a bridge perhaps from his past to his present and future. Wingspan is comprised of Steve Nelson, vibes; Steve Wilson, soprano & alto saxophones; Duane Eubanks, trumpet; Richie Goods, bass; and Karriem Riggins, drums.

The Sequelfeatures eight of Miller's original compositions and reflects a subtle evolution in his approach. “I'm moving into a greater awareness of the importance of melody, and I'm sharpening my compositional process. This recording came from a feeling I had about jazz becoming too complex. I wanted to make a record with music that was less cluttered, music that clarified the swing beat." He cites Miles Davis' Kind of Blue as inspiration, but the recording is pure Miller