Miles Electric Band

The Miles Electric Band is an ensemble of world-class talents featuring performances from a unique roster of players including Vincent Wilburn Jr. (Drums), Darryl Munyungo Jackson (Percussions), Robert Irving (Piano and Keys), Dwayne “MonoNeon” Thomas Jr. (Bass), Etienne Charles (Trumpet), David Gilmore (Guitar), Antoine Roney (Tenor Sax), Debasish Chaudhury (Tabla) and David Hampton (Sound Engineer). The band revisits the repertoire from Miles Davis’ electric period as a framework for modern jazz innovation. Miles Davis alums include on piano Grammy nominee Robert Irving III, noted percussionist Munyungo Jackson and Grammy winner Vince Wilburn, Jr., Davis’ nephew on drums. Also filling an essential role in the cast is Antoine Roney on saxophone who has toured the world with jazz veterans Freddie Hubbard and Elvin Jones.

Drawing upon the enormous pool of talent influenced through the decades by Miles Davis, trumpet duties by design are handled by special guest artists. In Chicago and Los Angeles, Grammy winning trumpeter Nicholas Payton was featured, and at Sunset Junction it was Grammy winner Wallace Roney, with other Jazz heavyweights set to join in the future.

Positive reviews have fueled demand for the ensemble. Of their debut performance during the Miles Davis Festival in Chicago, Downbeat Magazine declared, “Despite boasting a host of bandleaders in the ranks, the group played with restraint and vibe over histrionics keeping the brew on simmer…” Of the Hollywood Bowl performance Daily Variety remarked, ”Everyone rocked and socked, and it wasn’t nostalgic in the least,” The Los Angeles Times shared “The Miles Electric Band quickly pumped up a party vibe” noting the “festival friendly” material of Miles Davis’ electric period.

The Miles Electric Band is now a featured part of the Davis family’s plan to bring Miles Davis’ music to a new generation of music lovers through festival appearances and recordings.