b. 11th June 1959, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
Marcus Miller has built himself a reputation as one of the finest jazz / R&B bass players in the business.
He was initially discovered in the mid-70's by Lonnie Liston Smith, who employed him at various gigs.
In 1978 Lonnie recorded a Marcus Miller composition 'Space Princess', a U.K. jazz funk anthem.
In 1979 Marcus wrote 'Love When I'm In Your Arms' for Bobbi Humphrey before teaming up with Dave Grusin as bass player on his 1980 album 'Mountain Dance'.
miles davis - tutu - 1986 / a song for the children - 1979 (tracks penned by marcus)
From here Marcus embarked on a string of session work with artists including Bernard Wright, Tom Browne ('Funkin' For Jamaica'), The Brecker Brothers, Bob James (for whom he has also written), Charles Earland and eventually Luther Vandross.
With Luther, Marcus developed a songwriting / production partnership which remained until the passing of Luther Vandross.
Songs they have co-written to date include 'You're The Sweetest One', 'I Wanted Your Love', 'Busy Body', 'The Night I Fell In Love' and 'See Me' for Luther's own albums.
They have also written, produced and recorded for Aretha Franklin ('Jump To It' and 'It's Just Your Love'), Dionne Warwick ('Got A Date') and The Temptations ('Do You Really Love Your Baby').
suddenly - 1983 / marcus miller - 1984 / the sun don't lie - 1993 / tales - 1995
In 1983 Marcus recorded the first of two solo albums for Warner Brothers, 'Suddenly' (including 'Much Too Much').
His second album 'Marcus Miller' was released in 1984 (featuring 'I Could Give You More' and 'Nadine').
m2 - 2001 / silver rain - 2005 / free - 2007 / marcus - 2008
In 1988 he produced / co-wrote 'Da Butt', a go-go anthem for E.U. taken from the movie soundtrack 'School Daze'.
He has also written and / or produced for David Sanborn, Bernard Wright, Steven Dante, Roberta Flack, the late Grover Washington ('Summer Nights') and Joe Sample ('Strike Two').
His bass sessions include recordings with Marc Sadane, Peggi Blu, Miles Davis and Roberta Flack among many others.
tutu revisited - 2011 / renaissance - 2012
After Miles Davis's death, Marcus Miller put together his own group which performs many songs in the style of Davis' later band; they have recorded for the PRA label.In 2013, he appeared at the Jazz FM festival 'Love Supreme'.
Albums:
Suddenly (Warner Brothers Records 1983)
Marcus Miller (Warner Brothers Records 1984)
The Sun Don't Lie (PRA Records 1993)
Tales (PRA Records 1994)
Live & More (GRP 1998)
M2 (GRP Records 2001)
The Ozell Tapes (3 Deuces Records 2002)
Silver Rain (Dreyfus Jazz Records 2005)
Free (GRP Records 2007)
Marcus (Concord Jazz Records 2008)
Tutu Revisited (Dreyfus Jazz Records 2011)
Renaissance (Concord Jazz Records 2012)
