Miller, Ben
Truth Revolution, 2023, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 29.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 72
O’s Notes: Feathers of Ma’at is the debut album from Rochester-based pianist Ben Miller in a trio with drummer Taru Alexander and bassist Joseph Lepore. The music is all-original based on Miller’s rich road map: birth in the Philippines, growing up in Peru and upstate New York, with educational experiences in Montreal and New York City. Miller plays the Rhodes on “Ennead” but is mostly playing acoustic piano. They swing on “Unjaded Hero” with a rousing drum solo by Alexander, followed by “Wise Path” with Lepore taking center stage before Ben and Taru play cat and mouse. The title Ma’at is the Egyptian goddess who represents truth, order, balance, and justice. We could use a large dose of that today and Miller’s music is a stride in that direction!
Publicist: Two for the Show Media