Mulgrew Miller, a pianist renowned for his power and precision in straight-ahead settings, died May 29 in Allentown, Pa. Miller had suffered a stroke a week earlier and had been hospitalized. He was 57. Miller’s professional career began in the mid-’70s when he joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra (then led by Mercer Ellington, son of Duke). Miller also spent time accompanying singer Betty Carter (1980), trumpeter Woody Shaw (1981-83) and as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers (1983-86). In 1986, Miller joined drummer Tony Williams’ new group, which initially also consisted of Wallace Roney, trumpet; Donald Harrison, alto sax; Bobby Hutcherson, vibes; and Ron Carter, bass. Miller appeared on five of Williams’ recordings. He also appeared on recordings by Kenny Garrett, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Lovano and dozens of other artists. He recorded more than 15 albums as a leader, beginning with 1985’s Keys to the City.
I can highly recommend all of his recordings on MAXJAZZ:
http://maxjazz.com/miller/
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