A Mix of ‘New Stuff’ and ‘Stuff I’ve Written Over the Years’

Originally published in Jersey Jazz Magazine. Reprinted by permission of the New Jersey Jazz Society.

As a bassist growing up in the 1980s and ’90s, Marcus Miller was one of my musical heroes—an icon shared by countless others who saw in him the future of the electric bass. His blend of groove, virtuosity, and compositional brilliance made him stand out in every context, whether leading his band or holding down the bottom for musical icons. Back then, as I studied his music and technique, I could never have imagined I’d get to speak with him one day. But that’s precisely what happened.

We connected via Zoom, and from the moment his image appeared, Miller acted casually, bass by his side, sheet music scattered on the couch,…