June 14, 1959

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Bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Marcus Miller was born on June 14, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York.

His father was a church organist and choir director, and the family is related to piano great Wynton Kelly.

By the age of 15, Miller was already gigging professionally in New York City.

A significant breakthrough in his career came when he caught the attention of Miles Davis.

Miller not only played on the Miles Davis album “Tutu,” but he also wrote all but two of the tracks.

He became a popular bassist with regular gigs in New York and spent nearly fifteen years as a session artist and sideman for recording artists from various genres. He would later collaborate with Bobbi Humphrey and Lonnie Liston Smith.

Some of his most memorable work as a composer appears on the Miles Davis album “Tutu,” for which Miller wrote all but two of the songs, including the title track.

As a performer, Marcus Miller is a force in the continued development of slap bass, while he has also served as an inspiration to many for his fretless bass technique.

In 1997, he played eleven major jazz festivals throughout Europe as a member of the “Legends” band featuring Eric Clapton, Joe Sample, David Sanborn, and Steve Gadd.

Marcus is featured performing with his band at the 2013 “Tbilisi Jazz Festival.”

Personnel:

Marcus Miller, electric bass
Lee Hogans, trumpet
Alex Han, alto sax
Adam Agati, electric guitar
Brett Williams, piano
Robert “Sput” Searight, drums

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