Marcus Miller
Biography
Primarily a bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Marcus Miller has worked on hundreds of sessions -- crossing jazz, R&B, and rock -- and has released several solo recordings since his late '70s beginnings with Bobbi Humphrey and Lonnie Liston Smith. Despite the many hats he has worn -- improviser, interpreter, arranger, songwriter, film-music composer, bassist, clarinetist, saxophonist -- none of them have been put on for the sake of the whim. Never one to merely get his feet wet, Miller has been a utility player in the most extreme and prolific sense.
Miller was a fixture as a performer in New York's jazz clubs before he was old enough to drive. Born in Brooklyn on June 14, 1959, and raised in nearby Jamaica, he knew how to play several instruments with ease by the time he entered his teenage years. His father, who directed a choir and played organ, had a profound impact upon his musical upbringing. Once he broke in with Humphrey and Smith, he gained steady work with the likes of Dave Grusin, Earl Klugh, Grover Washington, Jr., Chaka Khan, and Bob James. During 1981 and 1982, the in-demand musician went on the road with longtime personal hero Miles Davis and would end up working with him on several albums -- including Tutu and Music from Siesta -- after that.
Throughout the '80s, '90s, and 2000s, Miller scattered several of his own albums throughout the constant pull of production and session work. His solo recordings were almost as diverse as his outside work; hybrids of smooth R&B, funk, and jazz peppered the majority of the albums, while 1993's The Sun Don't Lie and the following year's Tales (both issued through PRA) also incorporated sampling technology. 2001's M2 won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. 2003's The Ozell Tapes: The Official Bootleg, released on Telarc, displayed his range as well as anything else bearing his handiwork; the live set incorporated originals, improvisation, and covers that ranged from material originally recorded by Talking Heads, the Stylistics, and John Coltrane. Silver Rain followed in 2005. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
I just wish there was a school that taught this style of playing bass. It would be so worth the money!
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Steve H - rest in peace Wayman Tisdale, however, musically speaking he and Marcus Miller were not in the same league. Marcus Miller is a far more accomplished musician and acclaimed bassist.
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Marcus Miller is a genius at turning the bass guitar into the lead guitar with his masterful bass plucking madness, he is a giant in the tradition of Stanley Clarke and the late Wayman Tisdale. Truly an energetic style to this plucker!
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Love Marcus Miller, however included in this list as bassist please Charnett Moffette. Love Marcus, I have every alblum including the fabulous "marcusmille r - - M A R C U S " came out this year 2009! Wonderful!
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I have been listening to marcus since the early eighties after he was crowned the bass new jazz bass player on the planet. his arrangements with the likes of David Sanborn, Luther Vandross, Dave Grusin just to name a few. personally there's no one out there who is as bad as Marcus. THE CHOSEN ONE
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knowing bassists as I do (my dad was one)How could any of you, omit James Jamerson!!!! ? ? ? ? ?So therefore in no particular order....jac o , J J , stanley,alfo n s o Johnson,larr y Graham, Ray Brown...pion e e r s all
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Wow...a huge and detailed write up on Marcus and not one single mention of the extensive time he has put in with David Sanborn?
I am perplexed... Also - Sa-Ra, I like your top seven list but there may be a couple noteables missing there in my opinion...Ja c o Pastorius for sure, perhaps Brian braumberg and definately Steve Bailey and Jon Pattitucci My Top 5 would go something like this; Wooten, Pastorius, Miller, Braumberg and Pattitucci.. . . |
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What a great added to my listening pleasure! I thought Stanley Clark was the only bass player that moved me. Wow! I now known another!!!!
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When i write i also listen to Marcus just to get my groove in check!!!
It makes sense to keep your pocket in a tight frame no matter what is going on in your music....... . . . . . . . . . . t h a n k s Marcus Miller |
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marcus sets the pace and everyone else must try to keep up
stanley clark is still one of my favs however MM is whats grooving at this time,marcus miller is a fantastic talent and wears many hats. I may take one of his sea cruises in order to hear him play. |
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Marcus is my all-time favorite bass player and next to Prince as my all-time favorite musician due to his versatility. Like Prince, he is a multi-instru m e n t a l i s t . Each has undisputed mastery over their main instruments. Of course, I enjoy Stanley Clarke and Victor Wooten as well, but I think Marcus is funkier. Awesome technique. Top seven bass players: Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Victor Wooten, Boosty Collins (the funkiest), Louis Johnson and Mark Adams (Slave) and of course Larry Graham
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stanley,jaco , l o u i s johnson,marc u s , t h a t ' s it!!!!!!! ok i forgot pops popwell and wilton felder
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Hey Steve H....NEWSFLA S H ! ! ! Wayman is cool, but a baby next to Marcus.
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Saw Marcus, Stanley & Victor Wooten in Clevelnad Heights, OH last night - the first stop of the 3 bassists tour all I can say is WOW!!!!
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"Rush Over" ft. Meshell N'Degechello (sp..I know) is prob. the sexiest, HOTTEST composition. I LOVE it. Marcus Miller is brilliant.
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CHECK OUT !!! THE BASS ON THE TRACK CALLED 'LA VILLETTE'... . O O H H H MARCUS YOU ARE TRULY A MASTER ELECTRIC BASS MAN!!!!! CAN'T STOP PLAYIN ALL TRACKS ON
" SILVER RAIN"... i HOPE YOU REIGN WITH JESUS FOR EVER !!!! GOD BLESS: |
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I have been and continue to be a Marcus Miller fan for decades. I've seen him perform with David Sanborn and I can't wait to see him this summer with Stanley Clarke and Victor Wooten...Dam n I'm psyched!!!
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I just saw Marcus Miller last night for the release of his new CD Marcus, and he was totally on point. The band was excellent and Jean Baylor was excellent as well. I haven't been so thorougly entertained by a live performance like that in years. I had heard of Marcus Miller with his collaborativ e work, but to watch him work was amazing. You listen to Jazz with your parents and say, okay well, whatever - But I have been totally converted. I can't wait to get this CD.
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I was in the jazz band at Queens College with Marcus from '72-74 and have admired his grammy winning work over the last 3 decades. Phenomenal talent!!!
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I first heard of Marcus Miller playing on the Tony Williams CD "The Story of Neptune". Great bass playing on a killer album.
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I was introduced to Mr Miller through Luther Vandrose I the 80's I thought his
style was sharp and smooth. |
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