Biscuit Miller - Wishbone (2016)

“Wishbone” is the eagerly awaited 3rd studio recording of 2012 Blues Music Award Winner for Bassist of the Year, Biscuit Miller. The title track was inspired by Biscuit’s two grandsons Jordan and Josh who were excited about making a wish when they got their hands on the turkey wishbone during Thanksgiving dinner. Their excitement sparked an idea in Biscuit’s ever creative mind, and he literally began singing and writing the song on the spot! He then jammed with his grandsons in his music room after dinner. That special day with his family and the birth of a song were all the motivation Biscuit needed to get back into the studio to begin working on “Wishbone.”

Biscuit and his band, The Mix, have been touring extensively ever since he won his first BMA in 2012, and had to squeeze in their recording sessions during breaks in the tour. Biscuit is known for his high energy shows and blazing million dollar smile. He is a born entertainer and is at home on the stage where he connects with his audience through a fun and funky approach to the blues. But don’t let the fun and food songs fool you! This is a dedicated group of musicians with an amazing depth of talent.

Biscuit was introduced to the bass for the first time at the age of eleven when visiting his friend Datrick. It was sitting in a corner collecting dust when the young Biscuit picked it up and started playing it. The four string electric bass belonged to Datrick’s older brother Darnell, who taught him a couple of songs. Biscuit took to it immediately and thus began a love affair with playing bass that has taken him places he could never have imagined. He formed his first band, Clever, with childhood friend Ivan Wallace. They moved to Minneapolis in 1982. Soon after, a mutual friend, Joe Rowe introduced Biscuit to Sonny Rogers who taught him a lot about playing basic blues. During his time with Rogers, they recorded “They Call Me the Cat Daddy”, which won Rogers a Handy Award for Best New Artist. Sadly, Sonny passed away before he was able to accept the award.

Biscuit then went on to play with other respected blues artists such as, Mojo Buford, formerly with Muddy Waters, and Lady Blue, backup vocalist for Ike and Tina Turner. One day, Biscuit received a phone call requesting him to come back home to sub for Chicago’s own legendary Lonnie Brooks who needed a bass player for one night. That one night lasted for over ten years as Biscuit became the permanent bass player for the Lonnie Brooks Band.

In 2000 he formed Biscuit and The Mix to fill up some down-time. During this time, he also completed his first studio recording “Come Together”. Biscuit frequently could be found sitting in with the up and coming blues guitarist Anthony Gomes. During one of these sessions, he was asked to join the band full time and he spent the next five years touring with Anthony. During his time with Anthony Gomes, they released five CD’s; Unity, Sweet Stringin’ Soul, Long Way Home, Music is the Medicine, and Live at the Triple Door.

By 2009 Biscuit was fronting his own band, touring the country playing clubs and festivals, and gaining respect as a front man and bassist alike. Biscuit Miller has graced the covers of several publications, including the 2006 Blues Fest Guide and the February/March 2010 edition of Big City Rhythm & Blues. In 2012 he was awarded his first Blues Music Award following the release of his second studio recording, “Blues With A Smile”. Having received wide air play on Sirius XM Radio, “Blues With A Smile” is aptly named, as Biscuit is known around the world for his huge, heartfelt smile as well as his antics as a funky bassist turned front man.

When he is not busy touring or recording, Biscuit loves to spend time with his friends and family. His grandchildren are especially precious to him. Also precious to him are the rare occasions when he is able to sit down with his entire family over a home cooked meal. Like the one that happened the day “Wishbone” was born! Thanksgiving at Biscuit’s house became a joyous celebration of life and music that will never end.

Whether you’ve been hangin’ with Biscuit for years, or are a newcomer to the party, “Wishbone” is sure to please. So grab on – and make a wish! ~By Lisa Marie Temple