MIM: Musician, composer, musical playwright, actor – Michael J. Miles is a rare artist who combines talents from numerous artistic disciplines. He is a creative force who has produced a remarkable catalog of musical works, including recordings, books, and stage productions. He is also an educator who works in university settings as well as in the Chicago public schools. As a musician, Miles has contributed groundbreaking work on the banjo that has put him in a category all his own. The Chicago Tribune’s Harold Rich said, “Miles has dared to take on some of the most dramatic and profound music ever written, and succeeded.”
The performance was a history lecture – a surprising evening when I was expecting “Dueling Banjos” and folk art. Miles cleverly wound his way through teaching the history of the banjo that we completely forgot we were learning something and became absorbed in the story.
The banjo was borrowed from slaves brought over from Senegal and adopted by America as an instrument all our own. Considered a slave instrument for most of the 18th century, its music later bridged the gap between black and white and became a popular instrument of the working poor. Miles has a collection of banjos on stage – including an Africa variety, an original Civil War model, and a 40 year old guitar – and he integrated the stories of the instrument in with the chronicles of American history.
He quoted Mark Twain. He acted out Pete Seeger’s testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He sampled over 20 songs and played 5 different banjos.
I was surprised and pleased with this performance. Frequently I wish my brother could be a shows with me; tonight, I wished my Dad could have joined me. Although the second half was slower and less purposeful, I sincerely felt I learned something and was thankful for the experience. Nicely done, Michael Miles.
