Michael Miles, a respected musician known for his talents in playing and teaching, recently shared his admiration for musical legends Bach and Stevie Wonder. He expressed that their music offers solace in a harsh world. This sentiment, like many he has shared over the years, is both intriguing and delivered with passion. Miles’ dedication to music is evident through his diverse roles as a musician, producer, and teacher, and his enthusiasm never seems to wane.
His latest contribution to music is an album titled “Great American Jukebox.” This album, featuring 11 songs, showcases Miles on guitar and his frequent collaborator Jill Kaeding on cello. The duo has previously performed pieces by both Bach and Stevie Wonder, and now they expand their repertoire with icons such as Lennon-McCartney, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Peter Green, and Stephen Sondheim.
Among the tracks featured are Stevie Wonder’s “As”, three Lennon-McCartney songs including “A Day in the Life,” and Elton John’s “Madman Across the Water.” The album also reimagines “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim. These selections may remind some listeners of the Great American Songbook, famous for twentieth-century American hits and jazz standards.
Inspired by the concept of a jukebox, Miles sees this project as his distinct creation, rapidly promoting it through an album, concerts, a new YouTube channel, and a website offering over 50 song arrangements. Miles fondly recalled how the idea struck him early one morning, compelling him to purchase the “Great American Jukebox” domain for $12.
Many associate Miles with the banjo, thanks to high praise from masters like Pete Seeger. However, Miles is equally adept with the guitar. He holds a master’s degree in guitar performance and has taught numerous students. He credits his diverse instrumental skills for a well-rounded musical journey. He describes arranging music as a process of solving riddles, diving into the feelings composers had when creating their work.
For many listeners, the familiarity of these songs enhances the experience. Familiar tunes allow one to mentally supply the lyrics, intensifying the music. Miles describes the album as a collection of songs “reimagined for solo fingerstyle guitar and for the chamber‑like interplay of guitar and cello.” The creation promises to deliver an elevated auditory experience for fans familiar with these classics.
My experiences with Miles go beyond listening to his music. We have collaborated on “Panorama”, a series combining music, spoken word, film, and entertainment. Working with him and Kaeding highlighted his organizational skills and creativity on stage. Miles believes each person harbors an internal jukebox, a concept that resonates with his musical exploration.
Reflecting on Chicago’s history with jukebox manufacturing—home to companies like Seeburg, Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola, and AMI—adds a layer of nostalgia to the album. Of these, only Rock-Ola remains, having moved from Chicago to California in 1992. Miles was delighted to learn the company’s name ties more to its founder, David Rockola, than to rock ‘n’ roll music.
Miles continually seeks to create and share, as cited on his website—embracing a sentiment from William Blake: ‘Mine is to create, not to compare.’
His dedication to exploring and presenting music reaches audiences, allowing them to connect deeply.
If You Go:
Album release concert: 8 p.m. June 13 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.; tickets are $39. For more information, call 773-728-6000 or visit oldtownschool.org.
Leave a Reply