Jason Miles is a groundbreaking New York-born musician known for his innovative mastery of synthesizers, blending genres like jazz, R&B, and electronic music over a remarkable five-decade career. With collaborations that include legends such as Miles Davis and Whitney Houston, and a Grammy Award to his name, Jason continues to influence contemporary music while exploring new artistic horizons.
Jason Miles, born on June 30, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary jazz and popular music. Known for his mastery over synthesizers and his innovative approach to music technology, Jason has crafted a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades, shaping the sound of genres like jazz, R&B, pop, and electronic music.
Jason's journey into music began at Indiana State University during the early 1970s. Here, he encountered Robert Moog and was introduced to the Minimoog synthesizer, which would become a significant influence on his musical direction. Returning to New York, Jason pursued a career as a professional musician, focusing on electric keyboards during a time when jazz still leaned heavily on acoustic sounds. He recorded his first album, Cosmopolitan, in 1979, featuring legendary musicians Marcus Miller and Michael Brecker.
In the 1980s, Jason became renowned for his skills with the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer. His talents led to collaborations with high-profile artists, thanks in part to recommendations from Michael Brecker. His decade-long collaboration with Marcus Miller resulted in him becoming a sought-after synthesizer programmer, working alongside luminaries such as Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and Luther Vandross. Notably, he played a crucial role in crafting the iconic synth sounds on Miles Davis' albums Tutu, Siesta, and Amandla, as well as contributing to Michael Jackson's HIStory album.
Since the 1990s, Jason has released several solo albums, reflecting his eclectic and innovative musical vision. These include:- World Tour (1994)- Mr. X (1996)- Miles to Miles (2005)
He has also produced tribute albums for artists like Weather Report and Marvin Gaye. In addition, he formed the group Global Noize and initiated the "Kind of New" project, exploring modern takes on electric jazz fusion.
In 2001, Jason Miles' production work earned him a Grammy Award for A Love Affair: The Music of Ivan Lins. Known for his capacity to blend electronic and organic sounds seamlessly, Jason has received accolades from musical giants like Miles Davis, Chick Corea, and Roberta Flack.
Jason's journey continues as he engages with various projects and live performances. In 2022, he released his autobiography, The Extraordinary Journey of Jason Miles: A Musical Biography. Following a relocation to Portugal, Jason is expanding his musical ventures across Europe, continuing to enrich musical landscapes with his distinctive approach.
Jason Miles remains a versatile and innovative force in music, perpetually adapting to evolving musical technologies and trends, reinforcing his status as a vital contributor to the fabric of contemporary music.
