Mark Christian Miller shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Mark Christian, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Both. I use routines to stay focused – early morning keyboard practice is my rock solid activity. In general I’m a big fan of lists and schedules. But it is also great to just exist and drift for a bit. A couple of days with no plans is something I occasionally look forward to.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In early 2026 I’m releasing “Strange Meadowlark,” my fourth album. “Strange Meadowlark” features a legendary rhythm section made up of Joe LaBarbera on drums and Chuck Berghofer on bass. Both have amassed countless credits with some of the leading names in jazz and pop music. The sensitive and swinging Chris Dawson plays piano, and one of music’s most in demand and versatile reed men, Robert Kyle, plays and contributes most of the arrangements. The material is eclectic, featuring composers from Oscar Brown to Henry Mancini. The album even has an art song, Ned Rorem and Robert Hillyer’s “Early in the Morning.” It is arranged by the gifted Josh Nelson who plays on the track. I accompany myself on piano on the record’s final song, “Sometimes,” a sweet ballad written by Felice and Henry Mancini, released by the 1970s seminal pop duo The Carpenters.
In previous years I was more involved as a music booker, but I have somewhat pulled back from that. For the fun of it I calculated recently how many nights of music I have booked over the years. It was over 1,000 shows in upscale restaurants, for private events, festivals, and for a long running series I curated at Descanso Gardens. I still enjoy so many great connections and memories from booking live music. However, I feel it is something that I did and it is time to move on. Through Corniche Entertainment I still enjoy helping a couple of wonderful artists – the percussionist and bandleader Louie Cruz Beltran, as well as the legendary pianist/vocalist and recording artist Betty Bryant. Recently I have enjoyed helping Louie book his solo interactive percussion presentation “Rhythm and Roots” into over 150 libraries, schools and museums throughout the region. Every year I produce Betty’s annual birthday bash at Catalina Jazz Club. I’m also proud to be on the board of directors for the Los Angeles Jazz Society. We just honored Christian McBride and Patrice Rushen at the Montalban Theater in Hollywood.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My Mom and Dad taught me the importance of work by example. Dad was a farmer in Madison County, Iowa. There was no such thing as a day off for him. Mom taught piano from our home but wanted more money for her kids, so she put away the piano books and took out a typewriter and got up to speed. She got secretarial work in Des Moines and ended up being office manager for years for an architect. They were very hard working, honest people who gave my sisters and me a secure, enjoyable and solid childhood. I will always be grateful. They also showed us the importance of being involved at school and being social.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches the importance of empathy and resilience. It sounds a little corny, but if you can learn from defeat, you weren’t really defeated.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe when we die our energy goes back into the universe and we become part of the beautiful galaxy of stars and worlds that we are now glimpsing with deep space telescopes. I believe our energy is not wasted, but is recycled into something wonderful. I certainly can’t prove that, but it is the foundation of my personal faith.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
While I’m working toward having more, I think I pretty much do have 10 productive and creative years left. So at this point I’ve stopped doing certain things that were damaging to me and those around me. I’m not perfect, but I feel I am living a better than I ever did in the past. I’m certainly less selfish and more appreciative of what I have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.markchristianmiller.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markchristianmiller/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.c.miller.3/
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