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Group Name: Miles Street Jazz Regular line up: Brenda Miles - band leader and vocalist; Shuggie - guitarist; Brian " Doc" Hofflander - bassist, and Ross Sickbert - drummer. Brenda Miles is also available for bookings in a duo or trio format, and/or with a pianist if desired. Music Style: The Great American Songbook from the 40s and 50s. Smooth, romantic ballads and fun, danceable, swing and bossas.
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Brenda began singing professionally in 1983 with a Blues band which enjoyed a great deal of success up and down the Front Range. During the '80s, the Blues band toured regionally and regularly opened shows for many well known National Blues artists such as Koko Taylor, The Legendary Blues Band, Greg Allman, Albert Collins, John Mayall, and James Brown-- to name a few. Since leaving the Blues band in the late '80s, Brenda has worked with many very talented regional Jazz musicians in various formats performing classic Jazz standards. Her greatest sources of inspiration are Jazz vocalists Nancy Wilson and Cleo Laine. In 1991, Brenda and Shuggie began working together as a duo. This successful paring of talent has remained constant to this day. Brenda also performs with the Colorado Springs based Multicultural Spirituals Choir under the direction of Ms. Peggy Houston Shivers. |
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A guitarist for the past thirty-five years, Shuggie began studying jazz in 1981. Recordings of Wes Montgomery provided an early and lasting influence, but a performance by Johnny Smith at the Pikes Peak Center truly inspired him. Shuggie has known Brenda Miles since 1984, and the two began gigging in 1991. They soon discovered a singular musical chemistry when playing together. As a duo, their performance venues included Pikes Peak Community College, the Antlers Hotel, and the Pike's Peak Center. Shuggie's current favorite guitarist is Jim Hall, whose melodicism and harmonic sense provide an endless source of inspiration. Shuggie has performed with several national touring bands and has played not only Jazz, but almost every style of modern music. |
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In school, Ross Sickbert played trumpet and French horn. As a classical player throughout his school days, Ross became very familiar with many classsical composers and consider Mozart to be the greatest composer ever. Although he became quite accomplished at playing the horns, he was always fascinated by the drums. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he bought his first drum kit. After the military, he hit the road traveling with various bands playing everything from Rock, to Country, to Blues, and, of course, Jazz--the style he was drawn to at an early age. Ross' biggest inspiration as a drummer is Elvin Jones and is a big fan of the Modern Jazz Quartet. |