Press

"A remarkable feat, my first reaction to his playing (American Bach) was a smile, and then amazement."

 Janos Starker, (1924-2031), one of the greatest cellists of all time

"[Mississippi River Suite] is a masterpiece — this piece is overpowering."

Tony Trischka, world renowned banjoist

"Michael is a man of vision, and he does more than just having a vision — he works it, develops it and brings in other talents to make it full-blown."

Pete Wernick (aka Dr. Banjo)

"This is one of the most beautiful recordings I've heard in all my 70 years... It is enough to make me want to learn the banjo all over again."

Personal letter from Pete Seeger

"Positively haunting...uniquely Michael's... intriguing...inspired...So what would you expect? I can't say I know too many banjo players who would even think of playing such tunes, let alone perform them so well."

Banjo Newsletter

“The art and creativity you provide is a vital part of life for Chicago’s residents and allows our city to thrive.”

Personal letter from Rahm Emanuel

"It is comforting to know that the future of our nation is in the hands of such inspired young people. Thank you Michael Miles." 

Personal letter from President Jimmy Carter

“The man clearly does not dream small.”

Howard Reich, Jazz Critic, Chicago Tribune

"Highly recommended….an exhilarating, musical and multi-dimensional journey….a provocative political and social history of America. Give the banjo to Michael Miles and you'll hear a mighty soul-stirring sound!"

Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

"Miles hits you in such a primal way that it leaves players like Pete Seeger and Bela Fleck speechless…. this mind blowing genre buster mixes up jazz, classics, originals and more into the tastiest stew you might ever encounter. You have to hear this guy.”

Midwest Record, Chris Spector

“Entertaining, thoughtful mix of music, prose, and poetry…Highly recommended.”

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Absolutely wonderful... funny, wistful, exciting, and thought provoking.”

Personal letter from actor John Mahoney

“By simply strumming his banjo's soft-spoken nylon strings, Miles has dared to take on some of the most dramatic and profound music ever written.”

Howard Reich, Music Critic, Chicago Tribune

“I venture to say that his performance of the two Bach suites exceeds by an order of magnitude any music ever performed by anyone on clawhammer banjo.”

Tim Jumper, Banjo Newsletter

“Thanks for the music you make!”

Personal letter from Yo Yo Ma

“Musicians like Michael Miles are among the best ambassadors the United States can have.”

Personal letter from Elisabeth Millard, US Counsel General, Morocco