Marcus L. Miller w/Freedom Jazz Movement

..The art forms of Music, Dance, and Spoken Word have the unique power and ability to make our bodies move and to free our minds. Jazz is the one form of music that utilizes improvisation allowing for freedom in creative thought and expression. Spoken Word gives us the freedom of lyrical expression. Movement embodies all that is creative and free flowing; no constraints or bounds. The combination of these three elements results in the harmonious mixture known as Freedom Jazz Movement. The name says it all...Freedom attained through jazz expressed in movement. Drummer/composer Marcus L. Miller formed this group in 1998 as a vehicle for music he had written for choreographed dance pieces. Each song tells a story that is expressed through a dancer’s movement. The goal musically is to create music that blends the drumming traditions of the African diaspora with melodic and harmonic ideas synonomous to the African-American traditions of jazz , blues, and gospel. The group features drummer Marcus L. Miller supported by a talented cast of musical artists. The group is a jazz based ensemble (quartet or quintet), or at times performs with Miller as a solo accompanist for the poetry and dance. The music rooted in the traditions of American Jazz with West-African and Afro-Cuban rhythmic influences...real FOLK music. Freedom Jazz Movement has performed at such venues as the Charles & Harriet Luckman Theatre, The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, The John Anson Ford Theatre, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, and appeared at various festivals and events throughout the county of Los Angeles. The debut CD, “Los Angeles View Suite”, was composed for a world premiere dance by choreographer Lula Washington at L.A.’s Dance Kaleidoscope (1998). The music reflects many of the sounds and rhythms heard throughout various sectors of Los Angeles. The group’s discogaphy also includes their second release, “It’s Miller Time”, a collage of Miller’s musical thoughts, moments, and inspirations released in 2003. The third album is entitled “Body, Soul, & Spirit” (2005). It is features some of Miller's early compositional ideas. "Back Again"(2007) is the latest and features some of the core members of his band. The next album is slated for 2009. Freedom Jazz Movement exists to give back to those who have come before us. By playing rhythms with ancient ties, we “Keep Spirits Alive”. Their hearts beat as the drum pounds, and their spirit illuminates through the movements of the dancer, and the stories told make you reflect on just how far we have come.