Miles Mindlin @JazznewbloodALIVE2021 @EFGLJF @WoolwichWorks
Today in our interview series we introduce composer and guitarist, Miles Mindlin.
Your father is also a musician. Did he influence your choice of instrument?
My dad began teaching me guitar when I was around 6 years old after I literally begged him to!
Then around the age of 9 I asked him 'how do you play Jazz' and that was it really.
He took me to sit in on a gig with Jim Mullen when I was 10 which was an incredibly inspiring early experience, we played Autumn leaves together, it was amazing.
You started playing music very early. Tell us about that development?
I fell in love with the music at a very early age. I remember listening to Charlie Parker and Wes Montgomery on car journeys when I was a kid and just being mesmerised by it. In my teens I used to rush home from school to practice and would keep going to the very late hours of the evening.
What teachers and musicians most influenced your sound?
My dad set my musical foundation so he was definitely my most important teacher earlier on!
Kit Downes has been an amazing teacher and Mentor to me in recent years which has hugely influenced my approach.
I was hugely influenced by the late great Pat Martino when I was younger- I still love him now of course. So many musicians inspire me: Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Bud powell, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ambrose Akinmusire there are too many to name!
You are studying at RAM. For someone who had such an intense educational path growing up do you think your conservatoire studies are adding on to your development?
Yeah for sure! I guess conservatoires just provide you with the time and resources to practice and study more. Also a chance to meet other great young musicians!
What are you listening to at the moment?
Right now I'm listening to a lot of Roy Hargrove, Kenny Dorham, Jason Moran, Monk, Branford, Andrew Hill and Betty Carter. Also been watching a lot of live shows on youtube. Been particularly into Mark Shims trio with Tyshawn Sorey!
Tell us about your set at the JazznewbloodALIVE2021 and the band playing with you?
I'll be performing a set of my newest compositions that I'm planning to record next year! Can't wait!
Miles Mindlin released a new Ep in 2020 check it out:
Miles Mindlin : Instagram
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