James Brown and Mike Milligan

Jazz improvisations that venture freely with a true sense for exploring what might possibly happen in each given moment. Originals, standard jazz melodies and not so standard things.

Guitar and Bass duo improvisations by James Brown and Mike Milligan. Originals, standard jazz melodies and not so standard things that venture freely.

Guitarist, composer and educator James Brown has been a long time staple on the Canadian jazz scene James’ most recent recording Song Within the Story was released in 2022 (NGP Records) and features guest tenor sax giant Mike Murley. Marrying his extensive background in classical performing and composing with jazz, James has created a unique musical space for himself.

 “ a dedicated and impeccably beautiful musician as well a composer of truly fascinating music. He is an excellent jazz player and his vast experience in classical music enables him to write music on a level beyond what most of us can do”. – Don Thompson (OC)

“This is one of the best jazz guitar albums this writer, who fervently listens to greats like Frisell, Bernstein, and Metheny, has heard in recent memory. It can easily stand with the best from those giants.” – Jim Hynes, Making a Scene

“This is a stunning album, thanks for putting on my radar!” – Lauren Hancock, Producer, CBC, Saturday Night Jazz

Mike Milligan has performed with some of the finest musicians on the jazz and improvised music scene. Such internationally recognized musicians as David Liebman, Chet Baker, Ritchie Beirach, Holly Cole, Joshua Redman, Donny McCaslin and Jeff Ballard. With the Shuffle Demons, he toured extensively throughout Canada and Europe. With the trio Life on Mars, he won first prize at an international competition at the renown Vienne Jazz Festival in France. In 1997, he recorded a solo bass Cd entitled Solo Flights. Solo Flights has been well received by jazz fans and critics alike. Mike was nominated as “Jazz Bassist of the Year” at the 2008 National Jazz Awards.

“…howls of approval greeted his solo bass playing” – Montreal Gazette

“Solo Flights is by a double bassist who displays a satisfying balance between adventurous sonic explorations and solid mainstream chops, this is an impressive and entertaining solo bass program and Mike Milligan is a talented double bassist to listen out for.” – Cadence Magazine

Mike is a regular sideman for many groups in Toronto and runs a busy private teaching practice via his site.

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