Miles grew up in Chicago in an Irish family where music was served like dinner—everybody had some. His blue collar father played the player piano and filled the house with singing. Everybody sang. Everyone read. Everyone debated politics.

Michael took it all in with great relish and has now turned the theatrical stage into his own living room—similarly filled with songs and stories. His theatrical works, his orchestral works, and his unplugged concerts all resonate with honest intimacy. This is music to be shared.

WXRT's Lyn Brehmer describes him this way: "Genius... a musician's paradise has Michael J. Miles playing his banjo."