Representative Albums: "Butch Miles Salutes Chick Webb," "Cookin'," "Straight on Till Morning"
Biography
A colorful soloist and an impressive technician in the tradition of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, Butch Miles graduated from West Virginia State College in 1966 and worked locally in West Virginia. He toured with Mel Tormé (1972-1974) and made a strong impression propelling Count Basie's Orchestra (1975-1979). After a few months with Dave Brubeck (recording Back Home for Concord in 1979) and a year with Tony Bennett, Miles became a busy freelance musician. He has played at many jazz parties and festivals with a countless number of musicians, including -- most notably -- Gerry Mulligan, Zoot Sims, Woody Herman, Wild Bill Davison, Clark Terry, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, and Bob Wilber's Bechet Legacy. Miles led seven fine albums for Famous Door (1977-1982) that feature swing standards and a couple of records for Dreamstreet, including a vocal date. In 1997, Butch Miles toured with the Count Basie Orchestra (under the direction of Grover Mitchell) and showed that he was still a fiery drummer quite skilled at showmanship. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Miles began playing snare drum at the age of 9 and majored in music at West Virginia State University 1962–1966. After receiving his degree, he went on tour with the Iris Bell Trio.[1] Miles was with the Count Basie Orchestra from 1975–1979 and returned for ten years from 1997–2007, and leader of the group Jazz Express in the 1980s and '90s.[3] He has also performed at the Newport and Montreux Jazz Festivals.[2]
