Michael Miles, a renowned musician, has shared his passion for music with a new project. Known for his provocative and interesting insights, he once equated Bach and Stevie Wonder as musical geniuses. Howard Reich, a former Tribune critic, described Miles as someone who dreams big. Miles’ recent venture is an album titled ‘Great American Jukebox,’ consisting of 11 songs played on guitar and cello by Miles and Jill Kaeding.
The duo has a history of collaborating on works by Bach and Stevie Wonder, among others. The album includes Stevie Wonder’s ‘As’; three Lennon-McCartney songs, including ‘A Day in the Life’; Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s ‘Madman Across the Water’; Peter Green’s ‘Black Magic Woman’; and Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Send in the Clowns.’
The title ‘Great American Jukebox’ resonates with the idea of the Great American Songbook. This term defines the enduring popular tunes and jazz standards of the 20th century. While the exact origin of this phrase is unknown, Miles has claimed ‘Jukebox’ for his creation. He is enthusiastically promoting the album, concerts, and a YouTube channel.
Additionally, a website offers over 50 song arrangements from the album. Miles recalled how the idea struck him early in the morning, leading him to secure the name ‘Great American Jukebox’ for $12.
Miles, often associated with the banjo, is also a master of the guitar. Pete Seeger once praised his banjo playing so highly it inspired thoughts of relearning the banjo. Miles boasts a master’s in guitar performance from Northeastern University and teaches both instruments. He considers arranging music as solving a riddle, offering insight into composers’ sentiments.
Listeners, particularly those of a certain age, find joy in the familiar tunes. Without lyrics, they engage deeply with the music. Miles describes the album as a set of songs ‘reimagined for solo fingerstyle guitar and for the chamber-like interplay of guitar and cello.’
Miles and Kaeding rehearsed this unique project in May 2026. Having collaborated with Miles on past innovative productions combining music and spoken word, I know his projects are ambitious and well-organized. Memories of jukeboxes linger for many, recalling an era when Chicago was at the heart of jukebox manufacturing, housing companies like Seeburg, Wurlitzer, and Rock-Ola.
Rock-Ola, founded in Chicago in 1927, remains active, though it moved to California in 1992. Interestingly, the company’s name has no link to rock ‘n’ roll but is named after its founder, David Rockola.
Miles reflects on how everyone possesses an ‘inner jukebox,’ describing composers as painters using notes to color chords. He likens exploring songs to solving riddles and gaining deeper understanding. After discussing with Miles, I revisited the album, finding new appreciation with each listen.
On his website, Miles shares a William Blake quote, ‘Mine is to create, not to compare,’ emphasizing his desire to create and share deeply through his performances. A release concert for the album is scheduled for 8 p.m. on June 13 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., with tickets available for $39.