Andy Milne – Pianist /Composer – Bio Release
Toronto
native Andy Milne draws inspiration for his musical concept from various forms
of music, politics, philosophy, comedy, and science fiction. Some of his
musical influences include Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, Herbie Nichols, Bela
Bartok, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder. Recipient of the New Works commission and the French-America Jazz Exchange grants from Chamber Music America in 2006, and voted ÒRising Star KeyboardistÓ by Down Beat Magazine in 2004, Milne is one of the most
important and respected young voices in jazz today. His highly recognizable
quintet Dapp Theory blends
Òcontemporary funk, groove and hip-hop into jazz with such seamless, casual
precision itÕs almost freaky.Ó (LA
Weekly) Milne has toured and recorded with Ravi
Coltrane, Ralph Alessi, Carlos Ward, and
Grammy-nominated vocalist Carla Cook.
In
1990, after completing an Honors degree in music at York University (where he
studied with Oscar Peterson, Pat LaBarbara, and Don Thompson), Milne received a
Canada Council grant to study at the renowned Banff Centre for Fine Arts. At
Banff, he met saxophonist Steve Coleman, who encouraged Milne to move to New
York. In 1991, after a year in Montreal picking up valuable sideman experience
with Joe Lovano, Archie Shepp, and Ranee Lee, Milne moved to New York and
joined ColemanÕs core unit Five Elements. M-BASE associates Cassandra Wilson
and Greg Osby also recognized his talent and invited Milne to perform with
their groups. The long association with Coleman offered Milne the unique
opportunity to develop a completely unprecedented harmonic and rhythmic
approach to the piano. The experience of responding to and complementing
Coleman's unique style night after night played a major role in the development
of Milne's individual approach. After six years gaining international recognition
with ColemanÕs various projects, Milne stepped out on his own to conquer his
own musical frontiers.
In
1995 inspired by grass-roots rock ÔnÕ roll bands, Milne independently booked
his band on two extensive North American tours. Following the first tour, he
recorded the self-produced cassette release, "The 'E' is Silent,"
(featuring Gene Lake, Matthew Garrison, and Audrey Martells), which captured
the relaxed intensity of the band's live performances. In 1997, Milne recorded
his debut CD, "Forward to Get Back," for d'Note Records, which
featured performances by Steve Coleman alumni Reggie Washington, Ralph Alessi,
and Matthew Garrison, as well as two duo performances with Coleman.
Milne
formed his current band, Dapp Theory in 1998 to Òtell passionate stories,
promote peace and inspire collective responsibility towards uplifting the human
spiritual condition,Ó he explains. The music seeks to explore the truths that
exist in universal cosmic wisdom, while creatively expressing life's great
journeys. In 2001 Milne explored these truths in an ambitious songwriting
collaboration with Canadian folk-rock icon Bruce Cockburn which were featured
on Dapp TheoryÕs 2003 Concord Records release ÒYÕall Just DonÕt KnowÓ.
As
artist-in-residence in 2006 at The University of British Columbia, Milne
lectured, collaborated with local musicians, and began composing new music for
two 2007 releases. ÒDreams and False AlarmsÓ, his first solo piano disc,
features three originals and interpretations of 1960Õs era folk and pop music,
and ÒScenariosÓ, a duet with Gregoire Maret on harmonica, blends the
avant-garde with romantic sensibilities. Dapp TheoryÕs highly anticipated
follow-up CD is scheduled for release in 2008. Milne is currently devoting
energy to several projects, including a duo piano project with French pianist
Benoit Delbecq, and a collaboration with tap dancer Heather Cornell.
Andy
Milne has established himself as a distinctive voice at the heart of New York's
creative jazz scene. He has performed throughout the world in numerous
settings, including collaborations with a range of artists including Sekou
Sundiata, Avery Brooks, Geri Allen, Dianne Reeves, Robin Eubanks, Red Mitchell,
and Sonny Greenwich. In addition to performing, Milne shares his concept with students
at both New York University and The New School in New York where he is on
faculty. His innovative rhythmic approach combined with his extensive harmonic
lexicon place him at the forefront of young pianists poised to carry on the
lineage of creative masters like Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner.
Contact
General Info |
|
Andy Milne (570) 296-4848 Tel/fax |