This original music of mine, has a lot to say because it comes from the heart of my thoughts, personal relationships, experiences and the many off and on conversations I have either had or overheard with people who have been in and out of my life. Growing up in New York City, you learn at an early age about the various pulsations, syncopations and melodious rhythms of life or what I call Street Jam grooves. AZIZA MILLER // SHORT BIO (2014) by Christian John Wikane Whether headlining at The Blue Note, Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, Blues Alley, or Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Café, Aziza Miller spellbinds audiences with her original compositions and peerless musicianship. "The Subway," her latest single, is an anthem that vividly captures the sights, sounds, and colorful characters that distinguish New York's metro system. Produced by Abe Fogle, engineered by Bryan X. Andrade, mixed by Chris Parks, and mastered by Dave Darlington. "The Subway" is the perfect introduction to Aziza's soul-infused New York grooves and will satisfy audiences who've made "The Subway" a show stopper at her concerts. It's also the first single from Aziza's highly anticipated new album scheduled for release in early-2014. Aziza Miller started blazing trails in the 1970s as one of the first female Musical Directors for a major recording artist. While presiding as Musical Director, conductor, and pianist for Natalie Cole, Aziza composed the music for "La Costa," which featured lyrics by Natalie Cole. Ahmad Jamal subsequently covered "La Costa" and invited Aziza to write lyrics to four of his original recorded compositions. Formerly known as "Linda Williams," Aziza released her first solo album, City Living (1979), on Arista Records. Her debut featured "Elevate Our Minds," a song that was later sampled by renowned U.K. DJ Ben Westbeech on "Get Closer" (2006). Additionally, "La Costa" has been interpreted by a range of artists, including Will Downing, Bill Perkins, Jorge Dalto, and Phil Upchurch. Throughout her various endeavors, Aziza authored a book called The Divanary: A Dictionary for Divas, which was inspired by her interactive musical piece "Divas Don't Apologize," and released a pair of albums that explored her unique blend of jazz, soul, and poetry, Jazzsoetry Vol. 1 (2007) and Jazzsoetry Vol. 2 (2010). Ultimately, all of Aziza's different musical paths have led to "The Subway," one of her very best recordings. In every note she writes, plays, and sings, it's very clear: Aziza Miller has many more trails to blaze. ALICIA KEYS: "Aziza taught me everything: how to be a strong woman, how to be your own musician, a pianist, a writer. She's all of those things." BOBBI HUMPHREY: "Finally, a refreshing and innovative singer, songwriter, composer, pianist to get excited about! AZIZA! Take wings!" KENNY BARRON "Aziza has mined the depths of black music to come up with a sound that is sophisticated, melodic, and funky as hell." AHMAD JAMAL: "A talented lady." VALERIE SIMPSON "We need to have these songs. I just love the way the songs have evolved. I remember 'Say What' but this is a different 'Say What': she has grown in it, come up with some new stuff. It's exciting when you see folks growing before your very eyes."