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Maci Miller: Nine

By Richard J Salvucci
August 18, 2023
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Philadelphia-based singer

Maci Miller

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Maci Miller gives her audience a variety of looks, all of them good. On first hearing,

Blossom Dearie

piano and vocals
1926 - 2009

" data-original-title="" title="">Blossom Dearie, but then, Blossom Dearie was Blossom Dearie. No one ever sounded quite like her. Then again, there is some mid 1960s

" data-original-title="" title="">Nancy Wilson, hushed, clipped, all business. On reflecting that Dearie and Wilson an odd combination do make, one just listens and stops thinking influences, other than "eclectic." Or maybe

Billie Holiday

vocals
1915 - 1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Billie Holiday, if Miller is in the mood. A Philly band that includes

Larry McKenna

saxophone, tenor
1937 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Larry McKenna,

Byron Landham

drums
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Byron Landham,

Aaron Graves

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Aaron Graves,

Mike Boone

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Boone,

Leon Jordan, Sr.

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Leon Jordan, Sr. ,

Victor North

saxophone, tenor
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Victor North, and, by residential courtesy,

Jeremy Pelt

trumpet
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeremy Pelt (whose contribution rivals McKenna's for sheer beauty), only makes the outing a special one. Nine is something cool indeed,

While Miller may not be widely known, this is her fifth CD after a hiatus due to COVID and, far more benignly, time out for childcare. She is also now touring in the Northeast, which would give audiences a chance to hear her live. Whether with a small group or a big band, she swings, can turn on the heat, and be sweet or sultry, depending on mood. Her contralto voice is not big, but Miller is one of those singers about whom it is often said, "she has something." Indeed she does: talent.

The tunes on offer her give Miller a chance to show off her varying gifts. "High Wire" is an up-tempo,

Chick Corea

piano
1941 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Chick Corea flounce with notes of early Eden Atwood. "Firm Roots" brightly does much the same. "Love Me For Whom I am" is a soulful request, with McKenna supplying the obligato. He also does so on "Complicated," another I-vi-ii-V sort of tune. "The Nearness of You" is a standard that features a lovely Jeremy Pelt solo. Miller does a very nice job here. "I Can't Wait" is a tune of Miller's own composition (with Aaron Graves), as is "Strange is the Night" and "Feel the Music."

It seems odd that Miller does not have a larger reputation, especially by the evidence of this recording. There are, it is true, a lot of singers around, but Miller is one of the better ones and a cut above. She is well worth making an effort to hear.

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Track Listing

High Wire; Firm Roots; Love Me For Who I am; Little Bird; Complicated; The Nearness of You; I Can't Wait; Strange is the Night; Feel The Music.

Personnel

Maci Miller

vocals

Aaron Graves

keyboards

Mike Boone

bass

Larry McKenna

saxophone, tenor

Victor North

saxophone, tenor

Byron Landham

drums

Leon Jordan, Sr.

drums

Josh Orlando

drums

Jeremy Pelt

trumpet

Album information

Title: Nine | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Self Produced

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