A colorful soloist and an impressive technician in the tradition of
Buddy Rich and
Gene Krupa,
Butch Miles graduated from West Virginia State College in 1966 and worked locally in West Virginia. He toured with
Mel Tormé (1972-1974) and made a strong impression propelling
Count Basie's Orchestra (1975-1979). After a few months with
Dave Brubeck (recording Back Home for Concord in 1979) and a year with
Tony Bennett,
Miles became a busy freelance musician. He has played at many jazz parties and festivals with a countless number of musicians, including -- most notably --
Gerry Mulligan,
Zoot Sims,
Woody Herman,
Wild Bill Davison,
Clark Terry,
Scott Hamilton,
Warren Vache, and
Bob Wilber's Bechet Legacy.
Miles led seven fine albums for Famous Door (1977-1982) that feature swing standards and a couple of records for Dreamstreet, including a vocal date. In 1997,
Butch Miles toured with the Count Basie Orchestra (under the direction of
Grover Mitchell) and showed that he was still a fiery drummer quite skilled at showmanship. ~ Scott Yanow