Melvin M. Miller
Smyrna, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2008 | INDIE
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Discography
His first release was "A Christmas Gift” followed by “Innocent Bystander”, "Here's To Life" and his recent release “In The Moment” have all received rave reviews.
Innocent Bystander is a collection of contemporary, instrumental pop/smooth jazz pieces. It features a list of talented musicians such as Grammy winning producer Phil Davis, who has written compositions for Boney James (Body Language), Al Jarreau (Just to Be Loved), Alex Bugnon (Southern Living); Andrew Lane on keyboards; Sam Sims on bass, who has been on tour with Janet Jackson; Dean James on soprano sax, who has 3 national recordings of his own; and Lil’ John Roberts on drums, who has toured with Janet Jackson, Joss Stone, etc. and has recorded with Kirk Whalum on For You, as well as the Boney James and Rick Braun project Shake IT UP among others.
"Here's To Life" is truly a mixture of musical textures. “Here's To Life" features a list of talented musicians such as Grammy winning producer Phil Davis, who has written compositions for Boney James, Al Jarreau, Alex Bugnon, George Howard, Walter Beasley, etc.; Eric Essix on guitar who has had several chart topping hits like "For Real"; Kurt Mitchell on bass, who has been on tour with Issac Hayes and The SOS Band; Michael Burton on sax, currently on tour with Tyler Perry ; Lil' John Roberts on drums, who has performed with Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Whalum, Boney James and Rick Braun; Daniel Moore on keyboards and vocals; just to give you taste.
With dynamic energy running through every track, "Here's To Life" features eleven tracks that explore an array of moods and emotions. "Here's To Life" mixes the perfect blend of soul, funk and jazz. The appeal of "Here's To Life" undoubtedly stems from the soulfully created beds...yes beds of music created by Michael Burton, Jon Roberts, Phil Davis and Miller. Created for you to climb in and enjoy.
"In The Moment"-The great expectations fulfilled in “In the Moment” fall right in line with the excellence that has become synonymous with Miller. The project boasts of 10 cuts, most of which are remakes, and two originals. A proud Miller states, “‘In the Moment’ was created to take listeners on a journey that causes them to think of where they were and what they were doing when they originally heard the covers (remakes.) There’s something about being taken back in time that evokes a feeling of the overall purpose of music, which is to make you feel good, to inspire joy and happiness and to sooth the soul. I think this project does that and more.”
Among the project’s offerings are: “Feels So Good” (Chuck Mangione); “Say Yes” (Floetry); “Making Love in the Rain” (Janet Jackson & Herb Alpert); “Never Keeping Secrets” (Babyface), “Kissing You” (Keith Washington); “Red Light Special” (TLC); “Anytime, Anyplace” (Janet Jackson) and “Reasons” (Earth, Wind & Fire). Vocal appearances include those of John Roberts, R&B sensation Bobby Valentino and veteran Chanda Leigh, who is returning from Miller’s first two projects.
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Bio
He is as charismatic as his music is captivating. Critics have aptly named him a composer, educator, musician, conductor and performing artist. His name, Melvin Maurice Miller. Born and raised in one of the largest cities historically known for great jazz and jazz greats, Chicago, Illinois - it's no small wonder that music would become his life's passion.
The sound of his horn and the style with which he performs comes from a variety of influences. He has learned from listening to many of the great masters. His sound: Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Morgan, Doc Severinsen, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis. His phrasing: the vocals of Sarah Vaughn , Nancy Wilson and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few.
Just as music has no boundaries, Melvin's talent has made him a world-renowned musician and musical director. From classical to pop and jazz the music has no limits. Melvin was the musical director for international recording artist Gloria Gaynor and has also been the musical director for The Original "Dream Girl" Jennifer Holliday. He is a member of the unique group called Five Men On A Stool. He has performed in cities across the U.S from; Orlando, Florida for the opening of Epcot Center to California with The UniverSoul Circus. Melvin has performed in various countries; Tokyo, Japan for the Mirage Bowl; clubs in Osaka, Japan; Switzerland for the Montreaux Jazz Festival; Negril, Jamaica; Hong Kong, Mexico, Copenhagen Denmark, Frankfurt Germany and Rio De Jenerio, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Receife, Manus Brazil for 65,000 people at one concert. He has traveled and/or performed with artists such as Chris Tucker, Kim Waters, Kirk Whalum, Eric Essix, Najee, The Temptations, Lou Rawls, The Dells, The O'jays, James Brown, Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Hargrove, Miles Davis, Dr. Clark Terry and Pamela Anderson of "Incognito". Melvin has opened for Richard Elliot, Roy Ayers, Everette Harp, Bob James, Alex Bugnon, Norman Brown, Kim Waters and Bobby Lyle. He has recorded with Alex Bugnon, the Tennessee State University Jazz Ensemble, The Florida Mass Choir, blues singer Sandra Hall, Speech of Arrested Development, Ann Nesby and more. He also performed in the Curtis Mayfield/Repercussion music video of "Let's Do It Again." He has even jammed with the legendary Prince.
Choosing Atlanta, Georgia as his place of residence, Melvin’s preference is Adult Contemporary Jazz, He is a well-rounded musician, with the training to perform both classical and jazz. Melvin also held the position of principal trumpet with the African American Philharmonic Orchestra of Atlanta.
His primary performances have included Centennial Olympic Park and venues across the globe. Melvin has also performed for BET. Melvin regularly performs the National Anthem for the Atlanta Falcons football games at The Georgia Dome and the Atlanta Hawks basketball games at Phillips Arena. Melvin wrote and performs the opening fanfare for the Trumpet Awards on Turner Network/ TV One Television. Melvin was the musical director for the 2006 Trumpet Awards. He can be heard on releases by Alex Bugnon “Southern Living” and “Free.” Melvin has also appeared in Jet Magazine and was recently featured in The Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. The sound of Melvin’s trumpet can be heard in the hit motion picture “Madea’s Family Reunion.” His first release was "A Christmas Gift” followed by “Innocent Bystander”, "Here's To Life" and his recent release “In The Moment” have received rave reviews. Friends and fans celebrate him as a man of unimaginable creativity. He is affectionately called "young man with a horn," a title bestowed on him by his mother.
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