Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 6:30 pm;
Rebroadcast Friday, April 18 at 11:30 pm

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Press Release

The rich legacy of jazz music is told through the eyes of extraordinary jazz pianist Mulgrew Miller. Miller is a world renowned composer and jazz pianist who has played with jazz greats such as Art Blakely’s Jazz Messengers, Woody Shaw, Mercer Ellington and Tony Williams.

The documentary follows Miller as he teaches students enrolled in the outstanding Jazz Studies program at William Paterson University in Wayne, where he is director and where small ensemble groups are taught by professional jazz musicians. A world where young inspired jazz students would not have an opportunity to learn from those old-school gems is unacceptable to Miller. So, although performing is his life, he has taken on a new love: jazz educator.

Miller stepped into that position in January 2006 following the untimely death of his close friend and mentor, pianist James Williams. Miller explains, “It is important that veteran jazz musicians share their knowledge with the younger generation so that they can benefit from our experience and prepare for playing professionally.” Miller is referred to as one the most recorded pianists on the jazz scene today with more than 400 recordings to his credit. Miller takes us with him as he looks back on his musical career that has included playing with jazz greats such as Johnny Griffin, Benny Golsen, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson and drummer Tony Williams. Insightful interviews and personal photographs capture Miller’s impressive past and extensive contributions to the world of jazz.

Miller’s Jazz, the story of a musician’s talent, passion and dedication to creating, preserving and teaching jazz, is a co-production on NJN's Another View and the NJ State Council on the Arts.