Keith Miles
What it was they became
© 2006 Keith Miles (635759172427)
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A gamut of Americana music mixed with handfuls of blues, country, and swing, with some rock ‘n’ roll undertones and a few dashes of Leon Redbone thrown in for good measure.
tracks
- 1 Hickory Tree
- 2 Job to Do
- 3 Nolichucky Idyll
- 4 Highway 81
- 5 I Walk When I Have to (but Mostly I Like to Drive)
- 6 Sometimes Santa Fe
- 7 Liars
- 8 Just Dropped In
- 9 Indian Prayer
- 10 Mason Dixon Line
- 11 This Face
- 12 Girl With Indiana Eyes
- 13 Finale
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notes
From John Prine to Guy Clark to Hoagy Carmichael to Shakespeare, Keith Miles has always been a fan of storytellers whose well-honed prose and perfectly turned phrasing paints vivid images in the mind’s eye.
And that inspiration comes through loud and clear on Miles debut CD, What It Was They Became (House of Trout Records), which runs a gamut of Americana music mixed with handfuls of blues, country, and swing, with some rock ‘n’ roll undertones and a few dashes of Leon Redbone thrown in for good measure.
It’s the words that have always been important to Miles, a Virginia native who mostly grew up in a mid-sized college town in East Tennessee, where influences of the post-hippie 70s met head-on with the musical and storytelling heritage of the Appalachians.
As Miles went through a professional evolution from daily newspaper reporter to Congressional press secretary to partner in a Nashville public relations firm, he never put down his guitar or his pencil, or especially his desire to burn a selection of his handicraft to disc.
Miles isn’t quitting his day job, but neither is What It Was They Became just a vanity project. While music is an avocation, Miles has had some success. He was a co-writer on Iola, which was released in the mid-90s by Great Plains, and he got a two-for-one, with cuts by Great Plains and Kenny Rogers on the also co-written Homeland.
Backed in the studio by a tight-knit band of topnotch musicians (and friends), Miles brings his stories to life with equal parts of wry, wit and imagery. The album was produced by Jack Sundrud, a longtime Nashville musician, former frontman for the band Great Plains, and now touring bassist for the legendary country rock group, Poco.
reviews
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Bravo!!!
author: A former Senate colleagueSome very nice writing and lovely orchestrations! Nice to know that this multi-faceted artist is still pursuing one of his many passions in brilliant fashion. Keith rocks!!
Great CD
author: Jeroen ZaaijerWhat a fine CD! The first song I heard was 'Liars'. It sounded so smooth, and a bit melancholic, sung very softly like JJ Cale. Then I listened to the remaining tracks, thanks to the links on the CD Baby site. Awesome! The fact that Joe Hardy mixed the CD should tell you a lot. 'Indian Prayer' has a captivating rhythm in the singing. "Hickory Tree' and 'Indiana Eyes' sound warm and could have been from the thirties, and yet 'Mason Dixon Line' could have been the new Eagles single! Pleas get this man away from his office desk and get him back in the studio! We want more! Production by Jack Sundrud garantees quality!
- author: k.roney
This is one of those CD's that feels at home in your head immediately upon the first listen. I can't get it out of the player or my head....Thanks Keith and Jack for a job very well done
- author: V R Wheeler
Just received my eighth copy of this CD. As promised, I haved shared it with other friends...we all agree it is a 5+ star rating! Glad Keith shared those tunes that floated about in his head...now they float about in ours!
Colorful and complex !
author: Laura T Lynch of Kweevak.comKeiths's songs incorporate Americana with the blues, country, swing and a dash of rock and roll. The CD is well produced by Jack Sundrud of Poco and features a roster of talented musicians and supporting singers. What It Was They Became is Keith's thirteen-track debut. The CD has a down-home flavor with various instrumental characters. Miles has a pleasing voice that subtly changes with the mood of each song. 'Hickory Tree' the opening track is seeped in the traditions of mountain music as the poetic tale of troubles unfolds. 'Highway 81' is an animated tribute to life and travel enhanced by a fiddle and steel guitar. 'Mason Dixon Line' is a southern flavored song featuring harmonizing hooks and reflective lyrics about the past and present. What It Was They Became is a colorful and complex CD. Yet, it is comfortable like a familiar friend!
Sounds of our youth
author: David HThanks for the musical update on you life. Sounds like you've had a good one so far. Never made it to the Nolichucky, but there were a few good times down at Boone Lake. Let's have that fish fry one of these days ...
Great Album
author: MNSKeith Miles' CD is eclectic and inspiring. His stories seem like they could be taken straight from "On the Road" or "You Can't Win". The album isfull of diverse instruments, clever lyrics, and track after track of great songs. Definitely worth the purchase
A great combination of styles into one.
author: Stewart ScalesThis is definitely a CD to listen to. The quality of the songs is great, as well as the music itself. It keeps you listening until the very end. Definitely good music!!
I can't stop singing along!
author: Judith MillerThe variety of music on this CD is great. Every selection has something going for it, but I have to mention my favorites: Hickory Tree is a joy to hear and Highway 81 has me singing fortunes for a quarter, all day long. My friends hear the first line of Just Dropped In whenever they see me, and the pure poetry of This Face is magic. Keith Miles, I’m sure you and your musicians have more music and story-songs to offer us, please record again!
I'm biased--I was there when most of what Keith writes about
author: Tony ScalesI'm biased--I was there when most of what Keith writes about happened. Went to the Nolichucky a time or two..I'm just glad he left out the details! Yes, I'm an old friend of Keith's, and if you listen just a bit, you'll be an old friend of his, too. PS. I'm jealous as hell! Keith, you rock!
Great easy Listening
author: CtD DougEnjoyed the easy listening quality of the music, particularly Indiana Eyes cut. The combination of the lyrics and the music make for great storytelling. Kudos to Keith!
Really great music!
author: Liz WallLoved to hear these songs again-still humming 'Girl With Indiana Eyes.' Mason Dixon Line is a joy to hear-great lyrics and melody! Thank you,Keith and Jack!!
I could listen all day!
author: Shelley FidlerI could listen all day. I love the lyrics, the music, the singer (of course) and the backup. I'm already singing along.
how can I say it....
author: Kendell Poolebetter yet, let Keith say it. A wonderful piece of storytelling that will hit home with anyone in some shape, form or fashion. Big surprise with Just Dropped In - haven't heard it in years, and Keith's take on it is absolutely fun and right on.
Smooth as silk!
author: V R-WheelerThis CD is absolutely fantastic! The artist sings from his heart and soul, and it shows. I have the CD in my car...I now want to ride rather than walk so I can listen more and more. Have I heard that before? I've purchased two and will buy more to share with other good friends. Kudos.
a pair of flannel pajamas
author: DebraOverall the CD gives a warm, comfortable feeling like a pair of flannel pajamas. A nice variety of stories told. I've listened to it all week in my car.
Solid Debut for Songwriter
author: C FilesKeith Miles CD, "What It Was They Became" is a strong collection of songwriting with sound musicianship. As Miles says "we only call it fiction when we change the names". You can certainly feel the "reality" of the tunes, and that's what gives the album its tone. An excellent debut from a Nashville songwriter.