Mulgrew Miller

The Profile

Mulgrew Miller (1955–2013) was an American jazz pianist and composer from Greenwood, Mississippi. A key voice in hard bop and post-bop, he rose to prominence with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the Tony Williams Quintet, then led acclaimed trios and ensembles, recording extensively as a leader and sideman.

American jazz pianist; born 1955 in Mississippi; died 2013; associated with Art Blakey and Tony Williams; style rooted in hard bop/post-bop; instrument: piano.

Mulgrew Miller is an American jazz pianist rooted in hard bop and post-bop. Publicly known for stints with Art Blakey and Tony Williams, he later led his own groups. The review covers Trio Transition, documenting a 1987 Japanese tour, and frames his style between Oscar Peterson’s elegance and McCoy Tyner’s intensity. It praises his maturity but notes limited originality, landing at a measured 3/5.