Marcus Miller – We Want Miles! @ Udin&Jazz 2026

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On July 15, 2026, at 9:30 PM, world-renowned bassist, composer, and producer Marcus Miller will perform live at Udin&Jazz 2026 with his acclaimed project “We Want Miles!”.

The concert will take place in Piazzale del Castello, one of Udine’s most iconic open-air venues, located in the historical heart of the city.

This performance is conceived as a tribute to the revolutionary legacy of Miles Davis, focusing on the electric and fusion-driven periods that reshaped modern jazz.

Led by one of Davis’s closest collaborators, We Want Miles! is not a nostalgic reconstruction, but a contemporary reinterpretation rooted in groove, improvisation, and collective energy.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Udine’s castle hill, the concert promises an intense and immersive evening, bringing together jazz history, modern virtuosity, and the refined atmosphere that defines Udin&Jazz.

Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller was born on June 14, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, into a musically rich environment.

He began his musical education on clarinet before transitioning to bass guitar, an instrument through which he would profoundly influence the sound of modern jazz, funk, and fusion.

Over more than four decades, Miller has established himself as one of the most respected and versatile figures in contemporary music.

His early professional career developed rapidly in New York’s studio and jazz scenes, where his technical mastery and deep sense of groove made him a highly sought-after collaborator.

Miller’s ability to move seamlessly between jazz, R&B, funk, and pop laid the foundation for a career that bridges artistic innovation and broad commercial success.

Marcus Miller’s solo discography reflects his evolution as a composer and bandleader. His albums include Suddenly, Marcus Miller, The Sun Don’t Lie, Tales, M², Silver Rain, Free, A Night in Monte-Carlo, Renaissance, Afrodeezia, Laid Black, and Miller Marcus.

Among these works, M² represents a defining milestone, earning the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album and solidifying Miller’s reputation as a leading voice in modern jazz.

Albums such as Afrodeezia and Laid Black expanded his musical language further, incorporating global influences, electronic textures, and socially conscious themes.

Across his solo career, Marcus Miller has sold millions of records worldwide, an exceptional achievement within the jazz and fusion genres, and continues to tour internationally with consistent success.

Marcus Miller’s artistic legacy is inseparable from his collaboration with Miles Davis, particularly during the trumpeter’s electric comeback in the 1980s. Miller played a central role as bassist, arranger, and producer on albums such as Tutu, Music from Siesta, and Amandla.

The album Tutu, in particular, became one of Miles Davis’s most influential late-career works, blending jazz improvisation with electronic production, funk rhythms, and modern studio techniques.

Miller’s distinctive bass sound and compositional approach helped redefine the direction of contemporary jazz during that period.

The project “We Want Miles!” is deeply rooted in this collaboration. Rather than replicating original recordings, the project captures the spirit of experimentation that defined Miles Davis’s philosophy, presenting his music as a living, evolving language.

Beyond jazz, Marcus Miller has had an extensive career as a producer and songwriter.

His long-standing collaboration with Luther Vandross resulted in some of the most successful R&B recordings of the late 20th century. Miller co-wrote Power of Love / Love Power, which earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.

Over his career, Miller has received multiple Grammy Awards, both for his solo work and his contributions as a collaborator.

In recognition of his cultural impact beyond music, he was appointed a UNESCO Artist for Peace, highlighting his role in promoting cultural dialogue and education through music.

Marcus Miller’s live performances are renowned for their balance of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and infectious groove.

His concerts combine virtuosity with accessibility, making We Want Miles! a project that resonates with both jazz connoisseurs and broader audiences.
 

Udin&Jazz 2026

Udin&Jazz is one of Italy’s most established and respected jazz festivals.

Organized by the non-profit cultural association Euritmica, founded in Udine in 1997, the festival has built its reputation on artistic consistency, international credibility, and a deep connection to its local context.

Rather than condensing its program into a single weekend, Udin&Jazz unfolds across multiple dates in July, allowing the festival to integrate organically into the city’s cultural life.

Throughout its history, Udin&Jazz has hosted legendary artists such as Max Roach, Stan Getz, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, James Brown, Joe Zawinul, B.B. King, Dionne Warwick, Paul Simon, Chris Cornell, and Mario Biondi.

For Udin&Jazz 2026, the program includes two major international concerts. Alongside Marcus Miller on July 15, the festival also features Pat Metheny on July 2.

By presenting We Want Miles!, Udin&Jazz reaffirms its commitment to honoring jazz heritage while actively shaping its contemporary expression.

The Venue – Piazzale del Castello

The Udin&Jazz Festival makes deliberate use of Udine’s unique venues to enhance the musical experience.

Performances are staged in locations that range from historic theaters and intimate settings to large outdoor spaces, allowing each concert to unfold in an environment that complements the music.

For Udin&Jazz 2026, the main venue is Piazzale del Castello, one of the city’s most iconic public spaces. Situated near the Castle of Udine, the piazza becomes a central gathering point for live concerts during the summer months.

The Castle of Udine stands atop a hill in the historical center of the city and houses several important civic museums, including the Archaeological and Numismatic Museum, the Risorgimento Museum, the Drawings and Prints Gallery, and the Friulian Museum of Photography.

Piazzale del Castello is located approximately 1.3 kilometers from Udine railway station, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by train.

The closest bus stop is Castello di Udine, located near the square and served by bus line M, providing convenient public transport connections.
 
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