RON MILES: Blossom / Stone

Ron Miles

Blossom / Stone

© 2006 Sterling Circle Records (803635122020)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

The performances on Stone feature Ron in a quartet with piano, drums, and bass accompaniment, playing what many would call straight-ahead jazz, whereas Blossom has Ron's horn embedded in a larger ensemble of drums, bass, electric guitar, pedal steel guita

notes

Denver trumpeter Ron Miles’ resume includes time with Bill Frisell, Madeleine Peyroux, Don Byron, the Ellington Orchestra, and Fred Hess' Boulder Creative Music Ensemble. Besides being solicited all over the world for his unique sound, Ron is a staple of the Denver jazz scene and his recent releases as band leader show off his skills as a composer and arranger as well as a “phenomenally gifted trumpeter” (Bill Milkowski).
A resident of Denver since he was 11, he began playing the trumpet seriously in junior high school and studied music at the University of Denver (1981-1985) and the Manhattan School of Music (1986). Miles says that living in Denver has given him an appreciation for a broad array of musical styles that he might not have acquired elsewhere. “Country and Western music, Latin, jazz, and rock are all popular here, so you find yourself trying out a lot of ideas with other musicians and gaining a healthy respect for the music,” he explains.
Ron Miles was widely recognized as a musical director and arranger with the release of Ginger Baker’s Coward of the County (Atlantic 1999). His compositions anchor that record and highlight the varied influences from which Ron draws inspiration. Hailed as an inventive composer and gifted trumpeter on his solo releases, Ron cruised through the 1990s with a series of well-received releases on Gramavision (My Cruel Heart, Woman’s Day) and Capri (Witness, Ron Miles Trio).
In 2002 Ron slowed it down for a quiet, intimate recording with friend and master jazz guitarist Bill Frisell. Heaven again showcases Ron’s talent as an arranger, particularly on Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” According to Bill Frisell, "What is so exciting about Ron is that he really has his own voice. It seems like everything that is going on right now is either very conservative or it rejects everything. Ron has found a way to include everything and not reject things, and still be his own person." Miles said of his playing with Bill, “I think we share a fondness for striking melody, patience and the importance of individual timbre."
This new release is a Double album. Stone and Blossom feature new songs by Ron, as well as outstanding recordings from some of Denver’s finest musicians. Blossom also features a cover of I Woke Up In Love This Morning by the Partridge Family, and I'll Be There by The Jackson Five.

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • author: Josh McDonald

    Perfection!

  • The Sound of An Original!!!
    author: AJ

    Ron Miles is an original. He has what most jazz, or any artist for that matter, search their whole life for...their own voice! Brilliant!

  • author: A Garcia

    Awesome. An artist who always seems to have the most inevitable melodies in both his writing and his improv. This is an album that would both inspire and frustrate the aspiring song writer because of the composers skill. Beautiful melodies. Great playing. Great double-disc album.

  • Jazz is alive and creative!
    author: Eric Wayne

    Ron has always been a gifted, if unusual, composer/arranger. His playing is always genuine, heartfelt and truly unique. This disc is once again an exciting experience, and not just about endless self indulgent soloing. Jazz IS alive, it's eclectic, creative, surprising, and truly enjoying!

  • Refreshing Excellence!
    author: Dana Scranton

    This is a diverse two-CD package with refreshing innovation. Stone is executed with Ron's trademark clarity and innovative style. He steps out of the comfort zone with the chord progressions and challenges the imagination. Very cool. Now, Blossom seems to be a daring combination of soul, country western, and contemporary jazz - at least if that's my opinion. Ron and the group pull together some interesting melodies and diversions. It is refreshing, innovative and downright entertaining. That Monette cornet used on this CD adds an intoxicating silkly smoothness. Overall Ron and the other musicians on these two CDs present refreshing excellence. It's like you're sitting right there listening to them live - there is no apparent studio magic going on. You're hearing the way Ron wanted you to hear it - pure, genuine and sincere.

  • Excellent
    author: C. Sherwood

    Both discs are wonderful; trust me and buy the CD! Variety and depth. You will not be disappointed.

  • Beautiful !!!!!! Artist of the Year
    author: mike

    We get two different journey's with this release. Blossom the ultimate road trip music and with Stone, we get exquiste compostion in a jazz context. The melody is always present. Jazz for the 21st century !!!! Sound & compostion share equally.

  • Tremendous writing and playing. Ron Miles is an undiscovered treasure
    author: Kevin Richey

    I've come to expect greatness from Ron Miles, an brilliant artist unknown to many jazz fans, but I was blown away by his latest effort. The writing is top notch and demands the best playing from the sizable talent in both of the CD's ensembles. The arching melodies are fresh and instantly memorable and blend seamlessly with the solos.

  • Beautiful!
    author: Allan Henderson

    Two beautifully recorded CD's from the exceptionally talented Ron Miles. The are different yet complimentary. To my ears Stone is more pastoral and reflective whereas Blossom, although still folksy, has that little bit more edge and features great guitar and occassional electronics reminiscent of his earlier My Cruel Heart. Throughout both recordings Ron's luminous sounding trumpet shines. You won't be disappointed with either of these CD's which come in eco-friendly low-tech packaging.

email

Please log in to email this artist.