Cupid by The Westerlies

It's hard to think of anyone that has been more of a direct inspiration on the sound of The Westerlies than our hero Ron Miles. The warm air in his tone, the constant search for sounds beyond the known realm of his instrument, and the musical genius to use his technique to convey such emotion and feeling that you forget the technique in the first place. We first heard Ron in Wayne Horvitz's Gravitas Quartet (his solo on "Way Out East" is forever etched in my DNA) and soon fell in love with his own records, as well as his collaborations with Bill Frisell. As we discovered more of Ron's music, we quickly learned that his genius translated to his compositions as well -- like his playing they cut deep, vehicles for pure heart and emotion.

When we learned of Ron's passing just over a year ago, I turned to this song for solace -- his recording with Jason Moran and Mary Halvorson is everything music should be, and I must've listened over 10 times a day for months on end. When we found ourselves in the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall a couple of months later, I sketched out this arrangement for The Westerlies. Whether you knew Ron personally, knew his music, or are just beginning to learn of his artistry, we hope it finds a place in your heart.

- Riley

“folk-like and composerly, lovely and intellectually rigorous.” - NPR

"Chamber music with bracing melodies and, crucially, an undeniable sense of fun." - L.A. Times

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