Mieke Miami, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer, has carved a niche for herself in the jazz world with her latest album, Birdland (Release Date: 27/09/2024), released on the esteemed Sonar Kollektiv label. Originally from Hamburg, Mieke now resides in the working-class artistic enclave of Luckenwalde, Brandenburg, located southwest of Berlin. Her journey through music began with the jazz saxophone, a passion she honed while studying in Berlin. This foundation in jazz has informed her diverse approach to music-making, blending various influences into a unique sound.

A Journey Through Mieke’s Discography

Mieke Miami’s musical journey has been marked by evolution and exploration. Her debut album, In The Old Forest (2015), was a folk-influenced project released on Sonar Kollektiv. This was followed by her darker, more introspective second LP, Montecarlo Magic (2021), which was released on the Berlin imprint Fun In The Church. Moving to Brandenburg in 2019 to raise her family, Mieke’s music reflects her personal growth and the changes in her surroundings.

The Inspiration Behind Birdland

The title of Mieke’s new album, Birdland, is a nod to the legendary New York jazz club named after Charlie “Bird” Parker, as well as to the numerous jazz venues with the same name in Germany. Reflecting on her teenage years in Hamburg, Mieke recounts sneaking out to attend jam sessions at Birdland, Hamburg’s best-known jazz club. These experiences were formative in her musical journey, sparking her deep interest in jazz.

The album’s title also has a personal connection to her current hometown of Luckenwalde, known for its abundant birdlife, especially migratory birds like storks. This connection to nature is woven throughout the album, beginning with the opening track, “Whispering Pines.” Written during a family holiday as a means of solace from the outside world, the song captures a groovy and optimistic vibe, featuring Mieke’s vocals, flute, tenor sax, programming, and keys, complemented by Benno Schmitz Wenzl (aka Benautik) on Moog, Jörg Holdinghausen on bass, and Hanno Stick on drums. The album is co-produced by Mieke herself alongside Benjamin Spitzmüller.

A Sonic Exploration

Birdland is a collection of short, atmospheric pieces that explore different moods and sounds. From the sprightly “Same River,” with its uplifting sax and flute contrasting against Mieke’s melancholic vocal, to the more urgent “Bungalow,” featuring chopped-up beats, jazzy guitar, and quirky keys, the album is a sonic journey. Tracks like “Parrots” and “Pharaohs Sand” further emphasize the album’s connection to nature, with evocative soundscapes and a cosmic, dubby spiritual jazz feel.

The album maintains a sense of serenity throughout, with tracks like “The Light” offering a hypnotic, percussive Afro-jazz loop, and “The Tiger And The Snake” providing a warm, simmering summertime sound. However, Mieke switches gears with “7 Miles To Jordan,” where frenetic 4/4 drums and her moody bass clarinet combine with almost rapped vocals to create a momentary musical travelogue.

A Bold Reinterpretation

One of the standout moments on Birdland is Mieke’s cover of the timeless Dusty Springfield classic, “Son Of A Preacher Man.” Reimagining the sultry, soulful serenade as a jazz-drenched, enigmatic mid-tempo shuffler, Mieke’s version features Karl Ivar Refseth’s vibraphone, dubbed-out effects, and her dramatic flutes, bass clarinet, and alto sax. The track showcases her ability to reinterpret classic songs in fresh and innovative ways.

A Love Letter to Jazz

Birdland is more than just an album; it’s a love letter to the jazz genre and its many icons, from Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock to Erykah Badu, Jimi Tenor, and Sufjan Stevens. Mieke Miami’s playful approach to jazz, infused with humor and spontaneity, is something that she brings to her live performances.

“Live, we play it very differently, with lots of spontaneity and interplay. Making music most fulfills me when it’s surprising and when there is communication and connection between the musicians.”

Mieke explains

With the pandemic having prevented her from touring her second album, the anticipation is high for Mieke and her live band to hit the road. Fans can look forward to spontaneous and dynamic performances that capture the essence of Birdland and Mieke’s innovative approach to jazz.

Watch this space.