Miles Ahead, a hot, adventuresome quintet, plays Jazz. Not smooth jazz, not fusion jazz, not new jazz, not acid jazz, just Jazz.
Leading with great original compositions, they follow up with a mixed bag of jazz favorites. Touching and embracing influences
from all the great jazz styles, the group bobs and weaves musically like a great cat on the prowl. Creating something new and
fresh yet firmly in the jazz tradition.
Miles Ahead takes their name and their desire to push the boundaries of musical excellence from the legendary Miles Davis.
However, this band is no weak homage or cliche ridden cover group. The group doesn't even have a trumpet player. The
musicians are bright new voices, creating new music, extending new vistas in jazz.
The talented members of the award-winning group perform with a grace and power that enrapt their audience. Taking their
listeners with them as they explore the many lush and vibrant landscapes that define the worlds of jazz; Miles Ahead creates and
experience that touches all lovers of this great music.
Noah Peterson plays Sax. Gordon Neal Herman plays Piano. Jay Stapleton plays Guitar. James Ormond plays Bass. Rick Maier
plays Drums. Together their interplay creates performances, which are always superb and always unique.
All of the band memebrs are also composers. It is rare when a group can list five great performers; it is truly special when they
have five writers creating such delightfully original music. Their live performance features a balance of structure and
improvisation that touches every audience.
Their debut release, Milepost 1, is receiving airplay on jazz radio stations nationwide. Their CD features six of the bands original
compostions. Their songs have been a natural fit for jazz programming as they nicely spice up radio waves with music that fits
right in with the best jazz has to offer.
Leading with great original compositions, they follow up with a mixed bag of jazz favorites. Touching and embracing influences
from all the great jazz styles, the group bobs and weaves musically like a great cat on the prowl. Creating something new and
fresh yet firmly in the jazz tradition.
Miles Ahead takes their name and their desire to push the boundaries of musical excellence from the legendary Miles Davis.
However, this band is no weak homage or cliche ridden cover group. The group doesn't even have a trumpet player. The
musicians are bright new voices, creating new music, extending new vistas in jazz.
The talented members of the award-winning group perform with a grace and power that enrapt their audience. Taking their
listeners with them as they explore the many lush and vibrant landscapes that define the worlds of jazz; Miles Ahead creates and
experience that touches all lovers of this great music.
Noah Peterson plays Sax. Gordon Neal Herman plays Piano. Jay Stapleton plays Guitar. James Ormond plays Bass. Rick Maier
plays Drums. Together their interplay creates performances, which are always superb and always unique.
All of the band memebrs are also composers. It is rare when a group can list five great performers; it is truly special when they
have five writers creating such delightfully original music. Their live performance features a balance of structure and
improvisation that touches every audience.
Their debut release, Milepost 1, is receiving airplay on jazz radio stations nationwide. Their CD features six of the bands original
compostions. Their songs have been a natural fit for jazz programming as they nicely spice up radio waves with music that fits
right in with the best jazz has to offer.
Gordon Neal Herman
Instruments: Keyboards, Piano
Past Groups: IXT ADUX, Eclipse, The Guild, Miles Ahead
Current Projects:
Discography: Milepost 1, High Tide at Klamath Falls, Live @ the Zebra
Contact: Gordon
Pianist, composer, educator, music historian, writer.
Mr. Herman has had a successful career as a soloist apart from his work with Miles Ahead. Playing festivals, clubs, private events and giving lectures (sometimes tedious,
sometimes riveting) Mr. Herman has performed all over the Pacific Northwest.
His composition skills earned him a seat on national residency program for the New Music Theatre Ensemble of St. Paul. Minnesota funded, in part, by the NEA, Lila Wallace, and
PEW Charitable Trusts. This group staged a 6 episode opera at the Portland Saturday Market in 1997. (This is a very big honor!)
Mr. Herman's compositions have earned him critical acclaim. "High Tide at Klamath Falls was called ";...a virtuosity performance," by Victory Music Review and his music for the
theatrical production "Kaspar" was dubbed, "...a witty accompaniment," by the Willamette Week.
Instruments: Keyboards, Piano
Past Groups: IXT ADUX, Eclipse, The Guild, Miles Ahead
Current Projects:
Discography: Milepost 1, High Tide at Klamath Falls, Live @ the Zebra
Contact: Gordon
Pianist, composer, educator, music historian, writer.
Mr. Herman has had a successful career as a soloist apart from his work with Miles Ahead. Playing festivals, clubs, private events and giving lectures (sometimes tedious,
sometimes riveting) Mr. Herman has performed all over the Pacific Northwest.
His composition skills earned him a seat on national residency program for the New Music Theatre Ensemble of St. Paul. Minnesota funded, in part, by the NEA, Lila Wallace, and
PEW Charitable Trusts. This group staged a 6 episode opera at the Portland Saturday Market in 1997. (This is a very big honor!)
Mr. Herman's compositions have earned him critical acclaim. "High Tide at Klamath Falls was called ";...a virtuosity performance," by Victory Music Review and his music for the
theatrical production "Kaspar" was dubbed, "...a witty accompaniment," by the Willamette Week.
Noah Peterson
Instruments: Saxophones, Percussion
Past Groups: Marine Field Band 29 Palms, Aftershock, [sic], The Joe Marcinkowitz Big Band, Pacific Crest Wind Ensemble, Invisiblink, Desert Heat, Chuck Adkins & the Easy Money
Band, Dafunk, Grunglefunk, The Acid Jazz Experience, The Reverend Evan Hadley, Miles Ahead,
Current Projects: The Noah Peterson Quartet, Brian Chevalier and the Electric Blues Band
Discography: Milepost 1, American Housewives: Cuz They're Fat, Live @ the Zebra, Lazarus Rose, Supercargo, Bump
Contact: Noah Saxophonist, Percussion, Composer, Producer, Arranger
Mr. Peterson is an up and coming musical talent. Outiside of his work with Miles Ahead, Mr. Peterson performs with a variety of groups in many genres. A relative newcomer to jazz,
Mr. Peterson has received international airplay with his compostions from the debute release of Miles Ahead, Milepost 1. Inside of Miles Ahead, Noah serves as the leader of this
fine ensemble with musical direction, taking the band on tour and ensuring Miles Ahead remains miles ahead. Outside of Miles Ahead Noah is a freak of nature - throwing together
all sorts of incredible and bizarre ensembles. Always interesting, sometimes refreshing and occasionally pleasing - Noah ferociously works at getting his ensembles in the public
ear as much as possible. Be on the look out for new and different Noah Peterson projects, you never know where one might land next!
Instruments: Saxophones, Percussion
Past Groups: Marine Field Band 29 Palms, Aftershock, [sic], The Joe Marcinkowitz Big Band, Pacific Crest Wind Ensemble, Invisiblink, Desert Heat, Chuck Adkins & the Easy Money
Band, Dafunk, Grunglefunk, The Acid Jazz Experience, The Reverend Evan Hadley, Miles Ahead,
Current Projects: The Noah Peterson Quartet, Brian Chevalier and the Electric Blues Band
Discography: Milepost 1, American Housewives: Cuz They're Fat, Live @ the Zebra, Lazarus Rose, Supercargo, Bump
Contact: Noah Saxophonist, Percussion, Composer, Producer, Arranger
Mr. Peterson is an up and coming musical talent. Outiside of his work with Miles Ahead, Mr. Peterson performs with a variety of groups in many genres. A relative newcomer to jazz,
Mr. Peterson has received international airplay with his compostions from the debute release of Miles Ahead, Milepost 1. Inside of Miles Ahead, Noah serves as the leader of this
fine ensemble with musical direction, taking the band on tour and ensuring Miles Ahead remains miles ahead. Outside of Miles Ahead Noah is a freak of nature - throwing together
all sorts of incredible and bizarre ensembles. Always interesting, sometimes refreshing and occasionally pleasing - Noah ferociously works at getting his ensembles in the public
ear as much as possible. Be on the look out for new and different Noah Peterson projects, you never know where one might land next!
Jim Ormond Instruments: Bass, Keyboards, Piano, Composer
Past Groups: US Air Force Drum & Bugle Corps Keesler AFB, Lazarus Rose, Flip Side, Miles Ahead
Current Projects: Ephesus,
Discography: Milepost 1, Live @ the Zebra, Lazarus Rose
Contact: Jim
Mr. Ormond is a long-time musician in the Pacific Northwest. Equally at home on double bass and electirc bass as well as vintage keyboards, he has performed as a soloist and in
ensembles throughtout the greater Portland area over the past 25 years. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from Marylhurst University, and has written and
arranged music for Miles Ahead as well as his other projects with the Christian Classic R&B groups Lazarus Rose and Ephisus. Mr. Ormond's compositions and arrangements
are favored among listeners and have received airplay from the self-titled Lazarus Rose CD and the Miles Ahead CD's Milepost 1 and Live @ the Zebra. He also has a new boat
which he is very proud of and has yet to take the band out on.
Past Groups: US Air Force Drum & Bugle Corps Keesler AFB, Lazarus Rose, Flip Side, Miles Ahead
Current Projects: Ephesus,
Discography: Milepost 1, Live @ the Zebra, Lazarus Rose
Contact: Jim
Mr. Ormond is a long-time musician in the Pacific Northwest. Equally at home on double bass and electirc bass as well as vintage keyboards, he has performed as a soloist and in
ensembles throughtout the greater Portland area over the past 25 years. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from Marylhurst University, and has written and
arranged music for Miles Ahead as well as his other projects with the Christian Classic R&B groups Lazarus Rose and Ephisus. Mr. Ormond's compositions and arrangements
are favored among listeners and have received airplay from the self-titled Lazarus Rose CD and the Miles Ahead CD's Milepost 1 and Live @ the Zebra. He also has a new boat
which he is very proud of and has yet to take the band out on.
Jay Stapleton
Instruments: Guitar, Composer
Past Groups: Chained Down Cheese, The Reverend Evan Hadley, Miles Ahead
Current Projects: The Noah Peterson Quartet Discography: Live @ the Zebra, Bump, Live At Biddy McGraw's
Contact: Jay
Mr. Stapleton grew up in a small town in Missouri, and played first trombone in the same band as Sheryl Crow, the multiple Grammy-winning, platinum record-selling, international
superstar. He received his first guitar at the age of 12, but didn't play a paying gig until the age of 40. This was due to a lack of ability, and a nervous condition that drenched his
hands with sweat. He teaches piano and guitar lessons at the Bolton Academy of Music.
Instruments: Guitar, Composer
Past Groups: Chained Down Cheese, The Reverend Evan Hadley, Miles Ahead
Current Projects: The Noah Peterson Quartet Discography: Live @ the Zebra, Bump, Live At Biddy McGraw's
Contact: Jay
Mr. Stapleton grew up in a small town in Missouri, and played first trombone in the same band as Sheryl Crow, the multiple Grammy-winning, platinum record-selling, international
superstar. He received his first guitar at the age of 12, but didn't play a paying gig until the age of 40. This was due to a lack of ability, and a nervous condition that drenched his
hands with sweat. He teaches piano and guitar lessons at the Bolton Academy of Music.
Rick Maier
Instruments: Drums
Past Groups: Cock & Bull, Lazerous Rose, First Affenders, Miles Ahead
Current Projects: Ephesus
Discography: Milepost 1, Live @ the Zebra, Bump, Lazarus Rose
Contact: Rick
Mr. Maier began his profesional career at age 13. The past 35 years he has been performing throughout the Northwest. Mr. Maier studied music at both Central Oregon & Mt.
Hood Community Colleges and accompianied the world reknown Mt. Hood Community College Vocal Jazz band. Other experiences with various ensembles at Marylhurst
University combined with years of Rock & Roll, R&B and Christian groups have rounded out this multifaceted percussionist and producer. Mr. Maier also spends his time working
with bands at his Aloha Court Studios.; And I must say we get a pretty fine product out of that room. Hip-hop, jazz, funk, singer/songwriter... all sorts of good stuff with excellent
results.
Instruments: Drums
Past Groups: Cock & Bull, Lazerous Rose, First Affenders, Miles Ahead
Current Projects: Ephesus
Discography: Milepost 1, Live @ the Zebra, Bump, Lazarus Rose
Contact: Rick
Mr. Maier began his profesional career at age 13. The past 35 years he has been performing throughout the Northwest. Mr. Maier studied music at both Central Oregon & Mt.
Hood Community Colleges and accompianied the world reknown Mt. Hood Community College Vocal Jazz band. Other experiences with various ensembles at Marylhurst
University combined with years of Rock & Roll, R&B and Christian groups have rounded out this multifaceted percussionist and producer. Mr. Maier also spends his time working
with bands at his Aloha Court Studios.; And I must say we get a pretty fine product out of that room. Hip-hop, jazz, funk, singer/songwriter... all sorts of good stuff with excellent
results.
From Corvallislive.com
The following was sent in from an
impressed Big River customer....
Went to Big River Saturday night
Miles Ahead was
playing some great tunes. I
recommend you check them out.
Their website is www.milesahead.cc
so the card says. -- Kim
The following was sent in from an
impressed Big River customer....
Went to Big River Saturday night
Miles Ahead was
playing some great tunes. I
recommend you check them out.
Their website is www.milesahead.cc
so the card says. -- Kim
Miles Ahead offers a polished jazz
sound thats punctuated by great sax.
Corvallis Live
The Regular Guy
sound thats punctuated by great sax.
Corvallis Live
The Regular Guy
Oregon Jazz Society
Milepost 1: Miles Ahead, jazz quintet. I guess I'm not
traveling in the same jazz circles as this Portland-based
jazz group. They've been playing in and around the city for
several years, but, by golly, they're a new name to me.
And their initial CD shows some versatility and spark. Miles
Ahead is comprised of sax, guitar, piano, bass and drums
(no trumpet player in a group named MILES Ahead?) and
their approach seems to include straight ahead,
contemporary and even a touch of funk. Pretty nice trick
actually. Although they bill themselves as a group which
plays the music of Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie
Hancock and other such important bright lights, this CD
contains all original music. While I preferred those tracks
which utilize a piano rather than a "keyboard," Miles Ahead
has a nice energy. Compared to the many groups which
take fusion over the edge, these guys retain a sens of
tradition, hard-edged though it sometimes may be.
Self-produced, 2000; Playing Time 33:25, **1/2
George Fendel - Oregon Jazz Society
Portland quintet Miles Ahead, which recently released its
debut CD, "Milepost 1," plays a mixture of sophisticated,
eclectic originals and standards..."
Stan Hall
Arts & Entertainment
The Oregonian
Miles Ahead This quintet has the kind of solid interplay
that brings to mind an update of the fabled West Coast
sound of Brubek - but with a contemporary bite. Though
they borrow fusion and rock, they layer it with slippery jazz
phrasing and rhythm. Their sax-guitar-piano front line
prodded by the lashing backbeat of Jim Ormond's bass
and Rick Maier's bass is a rougher take on "contemporary"
jazz.
Bill Smith
Willamette Week
Miles Ahead: Milepost 1
You might suspect from their name that Portland based
quintet Miles Ahead is at least a little influenced by Miles
Davis. You would be right in your assumption. They also
seem to be big fans of Davis alumni John Coltrane, Wayne
Shorter, and Herbie Hancock. Keeping this in mind you will
surely know what to expect. It should be noted that despite
their Davis flavor they have no trumpet. Instead they have
some fine guitar work by Alex Newton. Because of his nice
playing the trumpet isn't even missed. The other band
members also do quite well and include good sax and
keyboard work. Their rhythm section is also steady and
right on the money. The material here is all original and in
the main well written. However, I for one would have liked a
standard or two included But then this way they keep BMI
and SACP out of their hair which is always a good thing.
So how can I say that a quintet without a trumpet is a Davis
group? Hey, pick up the CD and figure it out for
yourselves!
Lars Gandil
Victory Music Review
Reviews
Milepost 1: Miles Ahead, jazz quintet. I guess I'm not
traveling in the same jazz circles as this Portland-based
jazz group. They've been playing in and around the city for
several years, but, by golly, they're a new name to me.
And their initial CD shows some versatility and spark. Miles
Ahead is comprised of sax, guitar, piano, bass and drums
(no trumpet player in a group named MILES Ahead?) and
their approach seems to include straight ahead,
contemporary and even a touch of funk. Pretty nice trick
actually. Although they bill themselves as a group which
plays the music of Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie
Hancock and other such important bright lights, this CD
contains all original music. While I preferred those tracks
which utilize a piano rather than a "keyboard," Miles Ahead
has a nice energy. Compared to the many groups which
take fusion over the edge, these guys retain a sens of
tradition, hard-edged though it sometimes may be.
Self-produced, 2000; Playing Time 33:25, **1/2
George Fendel - Oregon Jazz Society
Portland quintet Miles Ahead, which recently released its
debut CD, "Milepost 1," plays a mixture of sophisticated,
eclectic originals and standards..."
Stan Hall
Arts & Entertainment
The Oregonian
Miles Ahead This quintet has the kind of solid interplay
that brings to mind an update of the fabled West Coast
sound of Brubek - but with a contemporary bite. Though
they borrow fusion and rock, they layer it with slippery jazz
phrasing and rhythm. Their sax-guitar-piano front line
prodded by the lashing backbeat of Jim Ormond's bass
and Rick Maier's bass is a rougher take on "contemporary"
jazz.
Bill Smith
Willamette Week
Miles Ahead: Milepost 1
You might suspect from their name that Portland based
quintet Miles Ahead is at least a little influenced by Miles
Davis. You would be right in your assumption. They also
seem to be big fans of Davis alumni John Coltrane, Wayne
Shorter, and Herbie Hancock. Keeping this in mind you will
surely know what to expect. It should be noted that despite
their Davis flavor they have no trumpet. Instead they have
some fine guitar work by Alex Newton. Because of his nice
playing the trumpet isn't even missed. The other band
members also do quite well and include good sax and
keyboard work. Their rhythm section is also steady and
right on the money. The material here is all original and in
the main well written. However, I for one would have liked a
standard or two included But then this way they keep BMI
and SACP out of their hair which is always a good thing.
So how can I say that a quintet without a trumpet is a Davis
group? Hey, pick up the CD and figure it out for
yourselves!
Lars Gandil
Victory Music Review
Reviews
Billings Outpost
... They have recently released a CD,
"Milepost 1," and while it's short by
CD standards (just over 30 minutes),
it is enjoyable listening and well
recorded. It features six originals that
all have a unique stamp and allow for
plenty of soloing...
Scott Prinzing
... They have recently released a CD,
"Milepost 1," and while it's short by
CD standards (just over 30 minutes),
it is enjoyable listening and well
recorded. It features six originals that
all have a unique stamp and allow for
plenty of soloing...
Scott Prinzing
Missoula Independent
...Miles Ahead plays a fine arsenal of
standards and adventuresome
originals (all five members compose)
with plenty of rich tonal colors... Miles
Ahead probably aren't going to set
the world on fire, but for a traditional
break from all the funk-jazz, smooth
jazz, acid jazz, whatever jazz, they're
an evening well spent.
Andy Smetanka
...Miles Ahead plays a fine arsenal of
standards and adventuresome
originals (all five members compose)
with plenty of rich tonal colors... Miles
Ahead probably aren't going to set
the world on fire, but for a traditional
break from all the funk-jazz, smooth
jazz, acid jazz, whatever jazz, they're
an evening well spent.
Andy Smetanka
Milepost 1 is an EP just over half an hour in length. Can looks ever be deceiving.
Miles Ahead is a quintet from the Northwest (management in Portland, Oregon
and recording masterting in Vancouver, Washington) that has been together
roughly six years, according to their web site. their photos and bio indicate that
all but one are well into upper middle-age and are "journeymen." Here are some
musical associations I made when I first listened to them and before I had a
chance to snoop on the internet: Blues Project, Electric Flag, Gratful Dead, and
very early ("Moondance") Van Morrison. I would have sworn on all the saints I
was hearing a group of young players sitll very much developing and education
in all ways Jazz who make no bones about their naive enthusiasm. These aren't
heavy players by any means, but they have a natural charm and seem genuinely
happy to be playing. Now, that counts for something under any circumstance, but
here it really makes a difference. There's even one song that yanks me back to
that underground classic oddity by Circus Mazimus "The Wind." We're talking
about the sixties for C's sake! I could be mistaken. Maybe they're heavily into
Miles, Tran, Sonny and the rest for all I know. But I've got to go with my ears:
This is a hoot! So break out the sangria and unwind. These guys are fun.
Charles Winkoor
Cadence Magazine
Vol 28, N0 .3 March Page 38
Miles Ahead is a quintet from the Northwest (management in Portland, Oregon
and recording masterting in Vancouver, Washington) that has been together
roughly six years, according to their web site. their photos and bio indicate that
all but one are well into upper middle-age and are "journeymen." Here are some
musical associations I made when I first listened to them and before I had a
chance to snoop on the internet: Blues Project, Electric Flag, Gratful Dead, and
very early ("Moondance") Van Morrison. I would have sworn on all the saints I
was hearing a group of young players sitll very much developing and education
in all ways Jazz who make no bones about their naive enthusiasm. These aren't
heavy players by any means, but they have a natural charm and seem genuinely
happy to be playing. Now, that counts for something under any circumstance, but
here it really makes a difference. There's even one song that yanks me back to
that underground classic oddity by Circus Mazimus "The Wind." We're talking
about the sixties for C's sake! I could be mistaken. Maybe they're heavily into
Miles, Tran, Sonny and the rest for all I know. But I've got to go with my ears:
This is a hoot! So break out the sangria and unwind. These guys are fun.
Charles Winkoor
Cadence Magazine
Vol 28, N0 .3 March Page 38
Miles Ahead was active in the Pacific NW from 1995 to 2003 - Please enjoy their music which was widly broadcast and their history.
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