Marcus Miller is at the top of his game and he's set to bring his unique jazz flavorings, via his bass guitar, to the Hollywood Bowl for the 32nd Playboy Jazz Festival on June 12 and 13.
Miller will be part of an elite assemblage of jazz artists on tap to heat up the bowl's stage for its annual musical soiree.
When you talk to Miller, it's clear he loves what he does. While he has "fun" performing, he's keenly serious about his music, with a passion that is palpable and unmistakable.
The Grammy Award-winning artist has worked with hundreds of well-known performers, with Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, Mariah Carey, Roberta Flack and LL Cool J among them.
This week, the L.A. Watts Times caught up with the venerable musician, who is on the road about five months out of the year, to ask what fans can expect during his performance at the Playboy Jazz Festival and what's next on his agenda.
LAWT: There are numerous jazz festivals you can play every year. Why did you choose to play the Playboy Jazz Festival, and what makes it so special?
MM: It has a unique vibe at Playboy. The people really come to party. At a lot of festivals, some people are quiet and focus on music. As a musician it's a real challenge. If you don't come with it, they will ignore you. It's like a block party.
LAWT: What songs will be included in your set?
MM: I'm doing a tribute called 'Tutu' for Miles Davis. I composed it back in the '80s. It's been 25 years since that album. Christian Scott will also be playing in the band. He is incredible. We are revisiting that.
LAWT: How many festivals do you play in a year?
MM: About 30. They've got festivals in Korea, Japan, South America, the U.S., all through Europe.
LAWT: How do you describe your music?
MM: My music is a mixture of jazz, funk and hip-hop. It's a reflection of New York and the neighborhood where I grew up.
LAWT: Describe jazz.
MM: It's what happened when African musicians got a hold of European instruments. They played them but put a flip on it. It's like they said, 'I like this song, but I want to put my flavor to it.' The main thing that makes it exciting is improvisation. We know how it's going to start and end, but as musicians we leave the middle open.
LAWT: What makes jazz pure?
MM: I have a different attitude than some cats. For them it's pure jazz if it was played between 1940 through '60. For me, it's the improvisation and coming up with new stuff. The legends like Charlie Parker and Coltrane, they didn't play like the guys before them. They found something new. It's the spirit of innovation.
LAWT: If you couldn't play music ...
MM: I'd feel like someone took my voice. When I hear myself play the bass, that's the real me.
LAWT: What does music do for you?
MM: Everybody wants to express themselves and feel like they're being heard. I feel like I'm being heard.
LAWT: How has your music changed from the beginning to now?
MM: I don't play all the notes now. I try to find the right notes, the ones that are the most meaningful.
LAWT: It's Black Music Month. What's the best way to celebrate?
MM: Listen to all the greats who came before us. Then, go buy some music.
LAWT: The ultimate jam session — who is there? Your choices can be any artist, alive or dead.
MM: Drummer John 'Jabo' Starks, Bootsy Collins is on bass. Stevie Wonder is on keyboards. Prince is going to play the guitar. With the vocals I'd have Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson. Coltrane is on sax, trumpet is Miles Davis. When Bootsy gets tired, I'm going to throw in Larry Graham. Then when his fingers start hurting, I'm going to jump in there and do my thing. Jimi Hendrix is going to come do a solo too. He'll tell Prince, 'This is how you do it, young man.' Louis Armstrong is going to come out of no where and just tell everybody to 'break it down.' He'll show them how it's done.
LAWT: What's up next for you?
MM: We're starting the tour. We'll be on the East Coast. Then, we'll be in France, Germany and Italy. Then I'll start working on my next CD in August.
LAWT: Do you have advice for newcomers?
MM: Better love what you do. Do your best to figure out what you love.
LAWT: When you're not playing music, what do you do to wind down?
MM: Basketball. I'm good. I'm a shooting guard. I'm kind of Kobe-esque (laughter). If you're not going to make me prove it, I'm going to say it.
Others set to play on June 12 include: Chick Corea Freedom Band with Christian McBride; Roy Haynes; Kenny Garrett; Sax for Stax featuring Gerald Albright; Pete Escovedo Orchestra featuring Sheila E., Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo; and many more.
The June 13 lineup includes: George Benson; Manhattan Transfer; Bobby Hutcherson and the Cedar Walton Quartet; Salif Keita; Robert Randolph & The Family Band; Esperanza Spalding; Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; and more.
For more information, visit www.playboyjazz.com.
Darlene Donloe is a writer for the L.A. Watts Times.
Photo from L.A. Watts Times.
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