Well, there are 17 songs on the playlist now. The band has been progressing slowly amidst life stuff. The CD tracking is getting done among things somehow. It's slow and steady. Before long we'll need to be looking seriously at booking. Any suggestions? Throw me some ideas. Call/text/email/reply, etc.
Hope to be performing for you soon.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Recording!
Recording of the CD has finally begun! It will be interrupted by Thanksgiving celebration, but that's of course no real "interruption" at all. I think when it is finally released, you'll see much to be thankful for reflected in the content.
Anyway the process has begun. I suspect this will be a rather lengthy time of recording with other life responsibilities sharing our time. Most of the tracks will be from myself, Steve, and Dan, but there likely will be some guest musicians as well. More on that later.
We still need to settle on a band name. Want to help pick? Possibilities below. Thoughts?
Anyway the process has begun. I suspect this will be a rather lengthy time of recording with other life responsibilities sharing our time. Most of the tracks will be from myself, Steve, and Dan, but there likely will be some guest musicians as well. More on that later.
We still need to settle on a band name. Want to help pick? Possibilities below. Thoughts?
- Street Lights
- The Teacup Pigs
- We the Sheeple
- J Miller Band
Monday, September 05, 2011
Resuming...
Leading Worship
I'm happy to have had the opportunity to lead worship music a bit lately, twice at Oasis of God in St. Charles, MO,and I get to co-lead again this coming Sunday (9/11) at Chesterfield Community Church along with Stephen Adams from PANDORA's Regret. Other musicians include Rob Ritter (electric guitar), Chris Knoll (keys), and Brian Scott (drums).
Band Progress
Now that we've gotten Steve and Rachel married, the band met for rehearsal yesterday and worked on some more stuff. We've got a variety of fresh original and cover material we're working up, and we're looking forward to serving it to you. As of yet, the band still doesn't have a name. If you'd like to help in the search/decision, consider this:
3 musicians, each bringing a variety of styles to the table. (Hard Rock, Bluegrass, Indie Rock, Jazz, Fusion, Folk, Pop, Country & Western, R & B, Blues...) Catchy/fun/important cover songs (by Foo Fighters, Joe Jackson, The Cure, Switchfoot) Original material: moody ballads, sensitive love songs, retro Rock, angst driven songs of betrayal and resolution; each delivered with a philosophical examination of Biblical principles.
All 3 band members are Christians, and while the goal is not to be pushy, the message and their faith are both fairly direct in an engaging manner. There is truth to be heard and considered by all. We're likely not a "safe" Christian band in the sense that we'd fit on your regular Christian radio station. Probably not one dimensional enough. Yet, TRUTH isn't always safe. Sometimes it's gritty, abrasive, and even painful. It also fills a gap...meets a need. It satisfies a hunger deep within. This is what we aim to feed. We want to be music for the people.
Please help us add to our possible band names. So far:
James
I'm happy to have had the opportunity to lead worship music a bit lately, twice at Oasis of God in St. Charles, MO,and I get to co-lead again this coming Sunday (9/11) at Chesterfield Community Church along with Stephen Adams from PANDORA's Regret. Other musicians include Rob Ritter (electric guitar), Chris Knoll (keys), and Brian Scott (drums).
Band Progress
Now that we've gotten Steve and Rachel married, the band met for rehearsal yesterday and worked on some more stuff. We've got a variety of fresh original and cover material we're working up, and we're looking forward to serving it to you. As of yet, the band still doesn't have a name. If you'd like to help in the search/decision, consider this:
3 musicians, each bringing a variety of styles to the table. (Hard Rock, Bluegrass, Indie Rock, Jazz, Fusion, Folk, Pop, Country & Western, R & B, Blues...) Catchy/fun/important cover songs (by Foo Fighters, Joe Jackson, The Cure, Switchfoot) Original material: moody ballads, sensitive love songs, retro Rock, angst driven songs of betrayal and resolution; each delivered with a philosophical examination of Biblical principles.
All 3 band members are Christians, and while the goal is not to be pushy, the message and their faith are both fairly direct in an engaging manner. There is truth to be heard and considered by all. We're likely not a "safe" Christian band in the sense that we'd fit on your regular Christian radio station. Probably not one dimensional enough. Yet, TRUTH isn't always safe. Sometimes it's gritty, abrasive, and even painful. It also fills a gap...meets a need. It satisfies a hunger deep within. This is what we aim to feed. We want to be music for the people.
Please help us add to our possible band names. So far:
- Sol(o)m(e)n('s) +Vice
- Solomon's adVice
- Solomanad Vice
- LambMiller
- Canvas City
- J Miller Band
- The Teacup Pigs
- Street Lights
- ...
James
Monday, July 25, 2011
Test Driving...
Well, I did a little test drive over the weekend. Test drove some new songs that is, amidst a full set including worship music at Oasis of God in St. Charles, MO. Received positive feedback on the songs. This was a solo gig.
The band is still meeting every few weeks for rehearsal. Progress has slowed a bit, but that's understandable considering all of the changes going on in our lives. First off, the Miller's have a new addition to the family in case you haven't seen any previous postings elsewhere about it. :-) Josiah Arnold Miller joined us on 4/15/2011, weighing in a 5 pounds, 7 ounces. Right now he's just under 13 pounds, and is quite a happy little boy.
Congratulations to James A Miller Band's guitarist Steve Lamb, and his fiancee Rachel Gardner. 3 more days until their wedding. Then they're off on an adventure together. Also drummer Dan Deming and Karrie Young are engaged. Looks like they'll be tying the knot sometime next summer.
What does the future hold? Lots of diaper changes for sure. Otherwise, I'll probably be doing some more test gigs without the band in the next few weeks. Also I'll be sitting in on bass at Destiny Church, St. Louis. Dan's on vacation right now. While the guys are out, I'll be recording my demo tracks. Hopefully I'll have everything ready for them to put their creative stamp on things when they return to action. We'll resume rehearsals in full force at that time.
Hopefully by this Fall we'll be ready to reveal our hard work to the masses. Need a band for your venue, event, party, function, etc? Like a good groove, soulful sounds, and honest, philosophical lyrics? Then give me a call at 314-308-2235. Can't wait to share the new music with you.
Blessings.
James
The band is still meeting every few weeks for rehearsal. Progress has slowed a bit, but that's understandable considering all of the changes going on in our lives. First off, the Miller's have a new addition to the family in case you haven't seen any previous postings elsewhere about it. :-) Josiah Arnold Miller joined us on 4/15/2011, weighing in a 5 pounds, 7 ounces. Right now he's just under 13 pounds, and is quite a happy little boy.
Congratulations to James A Miller Band's guitarist Steve Lamb, and his fiancee Rachel Gardner. 3 more days until their wedding. Then they're off on an adventure together. Also drummer Dan Deming and Karrie Young are engaged. Looks like they'll be tying the knot sometime next summer.
What does the future hold? Lots of diaper changes for sure. Otherwise, I'll probably be doing some more test gigs without the band in the next few weeks. Also I'll be sitting in on bass at Destiny Church, St. Louis. Dan's on vacation right now. While the guys are out, I'll be recording my demo tracks. Hopefully I'll have everything ready for them to put their creative stamp on things when they return to action. We'll resume rehearsals in full force at that time.
Hopefully by this Fall we'll be ready to reveal our hard work to the masses. Need a band for your venue, event, party, function, etc? Like a good groove, soulful sounds, and honest, philosophical lyrics? Then give me a call at 314-308-2235. Can't wait to share the new music with you.
Blessings.
James
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Any Dug Pinnick or King's X Fans?
Any Dug Pinnick or King's X fans visiting here? You might find interesting what I've been working on today. I imagine my band will cover 1-2 KX songs, so I needed to set up my bass rig in order for it, as well as some other heavy music. I'm a firm believer that blending clean & distortion channels is the way to go. Anyway, here's how I think the signal path will end up.
Bass --> A/B/Y
A --> SansAmp Bass Driver DI --> Behringer Powerplay Pro-XL (left channel - for signal routing)
(parallel out)-->tuner
B --> MXR Classic Overdrive --> Behringer Powerplay Pro-XL (right channel - signal routing)
Blended Behringer Powerplay Pro-XL L & R channels --> PreSonus TubePre --> Behringer Ultra DI 100 balanced output --> Front of House
DI through --> QSC RMX 1450 --> custom 1x10" cab/1x10" + 1x15" cab
This seems like it's going to quite a versatile setup. I can get various levels of dirt without a lot of tap dancing, and no matter what I retain a deep bottom. Now I just have to put together a pedal board for it. Perhaps I'll wait just a bit since I expect the number of pedals will be expanding.
Anyone else have any cool split signal chains for bass? Lemme hear from you.
Rock on!
Bass --> A/B/Y
A --> SansAmp Bass Driver DI --> Behringer Powerplay Pro-XL (left channel - for signal routing)
(parallel out)-->tuner
B --> MXR Classic Overdrive --> Behringer Powerplay Pro-XL (right channel - signal routing)
Blended Behringer Powerplay Pro-XL L & R channels --> PreSonus TubePre --> Behringer Ultra DI 100 balanced output --> Front of House
DI through --> QSC RMX 1450 --> custom 1x10" cab/1x10" + 1x15" cab
This seems like it's going to quite a versatile setup. I can get various levels of dirt without a lot of tap dancing, and no matter what I retain a deep bottom. Now I just have to put together a pedal board for it. Perhaps I'll wait just a bit since I expect the number of pedals will be expanding.
Anyone else have any cool split signal chains for bass? Lemme hear from you.
Rock on!
Friday, March 04, 2011
Progress...
Well, things are still chugging along. Most people that care probably already know that Denise and I are having a baby. If you didn't know, I'm sorry we missed telling you somehow. Believe me when I say I have no idea who I've told and who I haven't at this point.
I'm also really excited to announce there is going to be a band playing my original music, and more! It looks like the lineup will include 3 former members of 1000 Days. We bring a wealth of eclectic experience to the table. Besides myself, there will be my friend and multiple band collaborator, Dan Deming, on drums. Holding together much of the chordal department will be singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, Steven Lamb. Here's how I expect things will shape up:
Anyway, things are still shaping up. We have our first rehearsal together on this coming Sunday. This will be the first time the three of us have played together since July of 2007. Presently I have 15 songs of my own, with number 16 in the works. Steve has probably just as many. Who knows what Dan has up his sleeve...
I'll report more later. We're very much looking forward to playing. Now if only we can book some shows. I hope there's a scene still out there since I've focused on church music the past couple years...
Hoping to bless your ears in the future,
James
I'm also really excited to announce there is going to be a band playing my original music, and more! It looks like the lineup will include 3 former members of 1000 Days. We bring a wealth of eclectic experience to the table. Besides myself, there will be my friend and multiple band collaborator, Dan Deming, on drums. Holding together much of the chordal department will be singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, Steven Lamb. Here's how I expect things will shape up:
Me: Lead & background vocals, electric bass, acoustic & electric guitars, percussion. We'll be playing quite a bit of my original music I suspect, along with probably several rock covers, and a praise & worship set.
Steven Lamb: Acoustic & electric guitars, lead & background vocals, bells, piano, etc. We'll perform selected numbers of Steven's folk repertoire. Check his site out at http://www.steven-lamb.com/.
Dan Deming: Drums, percussion, samples, grunts, screams, and things that go bang!
Anyway, things are still shaping up. We have our first rehearsal together on this coming Sunday. This will be the first time the three of us have played together since July of 2007. Presently I have 15 songs of my own, with number 16 in the works. Steve has probably just as many. Who knows what Dan has up his sleeve...
I'll report more later. We're very much looking forward to playing. Now if only we can book some shows. I hope there's a scene still out there since I've focused on church music the past couple years...
Hoping to bless your ears in the future,
James
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Thursday Afternoon Improv
Here's a rough mix of something I just improvised. It's 3 tracks of bass, mistakes and all. I tried to EQ it on headphones to save your speakers. No promises. Anyway, it was fun. Thought I'd share.
3-3-11 Improv
3-3-11 Improv
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