Barry Miles is a jazz musician from Newark, New Jersey, who has made significant contributions to the jazz scene since the 1960s. Born in 1947, Miles grew up in a musical family and began playing piano at a young age. He was soon drawn to jazz music, particularly the music of bebop pioneers like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
In his early career, Miles played with several jazz groups in the Newark area, including the band of trumpeter Woody Shaw. He also began composing his own music, which drew on a variety of jazz styles and incorporated elements of funk, rock, and soul music. Miles’ eclectic musical style soon attracted the attention of other musicians, and he began collaborating with some of the biggest names in jazz.
In the 1970s, Miles moved to New York City, where he became a key figure in the jazz fusion movement. He played with musicians like saxophonist Stan Getz and guitarist John McLaughlin, and he released several albums under his own name, including “White Heat” and “Magic Theater.” These albums showcased Miles’ virtuosic piano playing and his ability to blend different genres of music into a cohesive whole.
Throughout his career, Miles has continued to explore new sounds and styles. He has worked with musicians from a variety of backgrounds, including Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira and Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar. He has also composed music for film and television, including the score for the 1990 film “State of Grace.”
Today, Miles is considered one of the most innovative and versatile jazz musicians of his generation. His contributions to the jazz fusion movement have inspired countless musicians, and his willingness to push the boundaries of the genre has earned him a place among the jazz greats.
Barry Miles is a jazz musician, composer, and author who has been an important figure in the British jazz scene since the 1960s. Born in 1947 in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, Miles began playing piano at a young age and was soon drawn to jazz music. He was influenced by the likes of Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, and his early career was focused on playing in various jazz groups in and around London.
In the mid-1960s, Miles became involved in the emerging counterculture scene in London, which was centered around clubs like the UFO Club and the Roundhouse. He began experimenting with psychedelic music, incorporating elements of rock and roll, funk, and Eastern music into his jazz compositions. He also became a key figure in the underground press, working as a writer and editor for publications like the International Times and Oz magazine.