Ron Miles photo by Thomas J. Krebs
Like countless other people in Denver and beyond, many of us are mourning the passing of jazz legend, and Denver’s own Ron Miles. Many of our instructors and community members are sharing their thoughts and memories of Ron today. Our Instructor Thomas Jennings, who knew Ron, shares, “I don’t know what to say, I can’t believe Ron is gone. What an enormous loss for the world, an inspiring and deep master.”
Instructor Matt Skellenger worked closely with Ron, performing and recording with him, and of course, learning. Matt shared “In my opinion, he is one of the greatest composers of modern jazz, and he was a master improviser. I was so excited to hear his Blue Note debut, and to see that his group reopened the Village Vanguard in NY. I thought this was the beginning of the rest of the world finally learning about this great man that we all love here in CO.”
“Ron was such a gifted artist,” Don Was, president of Ron’s label, Blue Note, said in a statement. “He was a sweet, soulful man whose character was reflected in every exquisite note he played. We are heartbroken to lose him so soon, but he will live forever through the music he’s left behind for us.”
You can read their full statement here.