Milton Suggs is a talented composer, arranger, and lyricist known for creating honest and innovative music. He draws inspiration from various influences while maintaining a unique musical identity. His exceptional talent has been recognized, as he was voted a top 10 rising star male vocalist in Downbeat Magazine’s annual critics poll. Throughout his career in Jazz, he has collaborated with renowned artists and bands such as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Orrin Evans, Wycliffe Gordon, Ulysses Owens, and Marquis Hill. We enjoyed speaking with him about his career and current projects.
For those who are not familiar with your background in music, what inspired you to become a musician?
I was inspired from a young age by my father, who shares my name. He was a bassist who played and recorded with such inimitable musicians as Mary Lou Williams and Elvin Jones. I was only three months old when he died at the age of 33, however, learning about him and hearing the music he left behind was an inspiration and influenced me to begin learning music and to make the upright bass my first instrument
Born in Chicago, IL, you’re a third-generation musician. Please tell us more about your childhood and exposure to music from a young age.
I grew up and went to grade school in Atlanta, GA at a time when there were band and orchestra programs in the public school system. In the third grade students were invited to join an ensemble and select an instrument. I chose the bass and played it throughout elementary school. That experience left an indelible mark and from then on music was always a part of my life in ways great and small. I experimented with other instruments like the saxophone and drums during middle and high school, before ultimately deciding to pursue music as my life’s work by learning piano and singing.
Did you ever consider exploring a different career when you were growing up?
I had the notion of becoming an astronaut for a while, but that was very short-lived. I didn’t take career paths into any deep consideration until I was near the end of high school. That is the point at which I began to think about becoming a musician. I decided to fully commit to music during my freshman year of college.
Growing up in Atlanta, GA, you were exposed to music of varying styles. Were there any musicians or career experiences that left a particular impression on you and your approach to music?
There weren’t any musicians in Atlanta that I ever connected with, but my high school marching band experiences left a big impression as well as Sunday morning church services. The energy, spirit, and authenticity of those institutions capture the essence of what I hope to represent through my music and performances.
You’ve collaborated with various artists and bands, including Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Orrin Evans, Wycliffe Gordon, Ulysses Owens, and Marquis Hill. Name a particular collaboration you’re most proud of and what did you learn in the process?
It’s an honor anytime I’m invited to perform with another artist. Being entrusted with someone’s creative vision is a responsibility that I’ve learned not to take lightly. The collaborations that have had a significant impact are working with trumpeter and composer Kris Johnson on his musical Jim Crow’s Tears and working with trombonist/composer Craig Harris and New York-based dance company Urban Bush Women. Both collaborations allowed me to expand into other creative fields such as acting and dance. It’s also really fun to work on extensive musical projects. Performing with the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra was a bucket list item so it will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope to do it again someday.
What are your three strongest character traits?
I’m considerate of the feelings of others, I am a listener, and I am emotionally self-aware. It’s a somewhat difficult question to answer because, under certain circumstances, I feel like my strengths are actually weaknesses.
Please tell us more about your latest album, “Pure Intention,” released under Imani Records.What is the story behind the project?
For nearly 10 years I’ve been writing lyrics to various melodies that I’ve come to love. This includes music by artists such as Horace Silver, Cedar Walton, Roy Hargrove and many others. It is one of my favorite pastimes and this album represents a small sample of those songs in addition to a few covers of songs that I’m also partial to. After recording the album, Orrin Evans and I spoke about releasing it on Imani Records. After a few minor delays, here we are.
This album is your first release in some years. What can listeners expect from the album?
It’s actually my first release in 8 years and a lot has transpired in that time frame including marriage, fatherhood, divorce and other adventures. While one album cannot fully encompass all that I have learned and experienced during this time, the lyrical content and song selection do offer a small representation.
What’s your favorite album of all time, and why?
That’s a tough one. I’m going to say Dragonfly Summer by Michael Franks. I chose this album not only because I think Michael Franks is a brilliant songwriter, but it’s an album that has a lot of sentimental value and evokes a strong sense of nostalgia with each listen.
What projects are in the pipeline?
I have about 3 albums that I am ready to record and am working on making that happen within the next year. I’d like to record an album with a full rhythm section of more of the songs I’ve written lyrics to. I also have a couple of albums of original music that I’d like to take into the studio. I have another several albums conceptualized that I am fleshing out.
Where can our followers find out more about you?
I’m on instagram @miltonsuggs, maybe one day I’ll be more active on TikTok, but right now IG is the best.
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