Michael J. Miles puts down his beloved banjo in favor of guitar alongside world-renowned violinist Darol Anger to celebrate the release on Michael's new CD, A-sides, his first ever guitar album.

Time for the guitar! With his 5-string banjo and an insatiable appetite for sound, Michael J. Miles charted — and conquered — musical landscapes few have dared to tread. Miles stepped successfully into the worlds of classical music, folk music, jazz and original composition. In September, just one month before this guitar concert, Miles is the “composer-in-residence” at Carolina Chamber Music Festival performing JS Bach and his original works with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Howard Reich, jazz critic of the Chicago Tribune said, "Miles has dared to take on some of the most dramatic and profound music ever written…and succeeded.” Bear in mind, he did this with a banjo.

But now it's time for the guitar. After 50 years of practicing (starting in 1966), Michael is stepping out with that guitar, to release A-sides—hit songs like Living for the City, Tapestry, Skylark and At Last. This recording includes twelve songs from 1926 through 1973, that shaped his world and through which he has chosen to present his first ever guitar record.

Michael is joined by Darol Anger, who as a member of Turtle Island String Quartet, David Grisman String Quintet and the faculty at Berklee College, has long established himself as one of the most vital and inventive violinists in the world. Miles' ensemble for this concert includes David Jennings on vibes & drumset; John Abbey on bass; Brandi Berry on violin. (There may be another special guest and a banjo tune or two at the concert as well.)

http://www.milesmusic.org/