Michael Miles and the Great American Jukebox

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June 3, 2026
Entertainment Music

Michael Miles, a musician known for his multifaceted roles as a teacher, producer, and performer, has always captivated those around him with his insights. Referring to musicians like Bach and Stevie Wonder, Miles asserts that their genius makes the harshness of the world bearable. His statements are not only intriguing but passionately delivered.

Howard Reich, a former Tribune critic, once commented on Miles’ ambitious nature: “The man clearly does not dream small.” This sentiment is evident in Miles’ latest musical endeavor, an album showcasing 11 songs performed on his guitar and the cello of Jill Kaeding, a frequent collaborator. The album, titled “Great American Jukebox,” includes compositions by Bach and Stevie Wonder, as well as new pieces.

The album features celebrated songs such as Stevie Wonder’s “As,” alongside three Lennon-McCartney tracks like “A Day in the Life,” and other iconic tunes such as Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s “Madman Across the Water,” Peter Green’s “Black Magic Woman,” and “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim.

Listeners might find the album’s title reminiscent of the Great American Songbook, a term signifying the timeless hits from the 20th century covering American popular music and jazz standards. While its origin is unclear, Miles has made the “Jukebox” his own, promoting it energetically through various platforms, including a YouTube channel and a website offering over 50 song arrangements as sheet music via Hal Leonard.

Miles describes the moment of inspiration for the album title, recalling an early morning epiphany that led him to secure the domain for a modest $12. Banjo legend Pete Seeger once praised Miles’ banjo skills, yet Miles explains his lifelong affinity for the guitar, backed by a master’s degree in guitar performance from Northeastern University.

Teaching and playing both instruments have provided him with a diverse musical experience. With this new album, Miles explores iconic songs, like Carole King’s work, in an effort to solve the musical riddles presented by arrangement.

Miles sees his album as a collection of songs reimagined for solo fingerstyle guitar and the delicate interplay between guitar and cello. For many listeners, the songs’ familiarity deepens the experience, with the absence of lyrics prompting more careful listening.

Rehearsing with Kaeding, Miles reflected on how Chicago’s rich jukebox history, dominated by companies like Seeburg, Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola, and AMI, played an integral role in the industry. Though only Rock-Ola remains today, the company’s legacy, named after founder David Rockola, continues to resonate.

Miles believes everyone has an internal jukebox and likens composers to painters, coloring with musical notes. This album represents his effort to explore and understand these songs at a deeper level.

Listeners are encouraged to revisit the album, as Miles suggests the music reveals more with each play. His website includes a quote from William Blake: “Mine is to create, not to compare.” Miles extends this sentiment, aspiring to both create and share intensely through his performances.