Extraordinary drummer and composer Allison Miller is in a constant state of motion. Whether guesting with the 8G Band on Late Night with Seth Meyers; working as the musical director for dancer/choreographer Camille A. Brown; or performing with the likes of Natalie Merchant or Artemis (with Renee Rosnes, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Anat Cohen, and others), Miller’s frenzied flow is that spark of creative energy perfectly suited for her singular band, Boom Tic Boom. Similar to a New York City subway car tussling passengers around until breaking out of a tunnel riding alongside the Brooklyn Bridge to capture a stunning sunset, Miller’s latest cinematic arrangements are reflective of organized chaos with an urgency to always move the music forward while interspersing moments of introspection and sheer beauty. On her latest studio album Glitter Wolf (The Royal Potato Family, Release Date: February 1, 2019), Boom Tic Boom celebrates its 10th Anniversary as a stalwart ensemble whose kinetic chemistry is defined by years of touring and dedication to Miller’s vision as a bandleader. With an unflinching devotion to progressive movement, it should come as no surprise that the majority of Glitter Wolf’s 10 original compositions were scribed while in transit on the MTA subway.
Produced by Julie Wolf (Ani DiFranco, Carly Simon), Miller’s fifth studio album Glitter Wolf features the all-star cast comprising Boom Tic Boom with Miller on drums alongside her bandmates violinist Jenny Scheinman, cornet player Kirk Knuffke, clarinetist Ben Goldberg, upright bassist Todd Sickafoose, and pianist Myra Melford. Front and center on Glitter Wolf are both Miller’s deft drum work and compositional adeptness portraying Boom Tic Boom’s raw, but refined propulsive energy. The band hit the studio for the Glitter Wolf sessions at the famed Fantasy Studios (Berkeley, CA) following a two-year stint of extensive international touring. The six-piece’s live stage synergy undeniably sculpts Glitter Wolf’s rapture suspending listeners to the edge of their seats as they’re intensely fixated on each player’s every move.
Collectively, Boom Tic Boom’s strength in numbers approach to Miller’s arrangements churns out works that are dynamic idiosyncratic extremes. While each musician is an acclaimed artist in their own right, Boom Tic Boom together is a riveting ensemble not easily categorized by genre as they commandeer spontaneous grooves and melodically rich compositions unlike many instrumental bands. Glitter Wolf also features a host of special guest percussionists, including John Santos (“Valley Of The Giants”), John Hatfield (“Malaga”), and David Flores (“Glitter Wolf”).
Glitter Wolf is defined by the importance of self-acceptance and our collective need for community in an incredibly unpredictable time. We are faced with uncertain circumstances occurring around the world that have become a catalyst for empowering actions initiating historical progress through efforts such as the #MeToo Movement and Black Lives Matter. At the heart of Glitter Wolf’s compositions are multifaceted themes of dichotomy. Whether it be erratic governmental policies inspiring rightful protests; embracing the varying degrees of the feminine and masculine from within; living a fulfilled yet challenging life; or the musical juxtapositions of space versus density in Miller’s writing.
Leading up to the national release of Glitter Wolf, Miller has been in the spotlight with an array of distinguished accolades, including having the title track from her latest studio recording Otis Was A Polar Bear on NPR’s venerable list of “The 200 Greatest Songs By 21st Century Women+.” Miller was featured with NPR’s “Jazz Night In America’s” video short, “More Than Keeping Time: A Melodic Drumming Demo.” Watch as Miller skillfully demonstrates the concept of “melodic drumming” — using her drums and cymbals, Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” and a new piece of technology. To view the video, please click here. Miller also joins bassist Derrick Hodge as “Artists-In-Residence” at Monterey Jazz Festival 2019.
To view a comprehensive list of Boom Tic Boom’s forthcoming tour dates, please visit: allisonmiller.com
Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom
Glitter Wolf
Release Date: February 1, 2019
Track Listing:
- Congratulations And Condolences
- The Ride
- Malaga
- Zev – The Phoenix
- Daughter And Sun
- White Wolf
- Welcome Hotel
- Vine And Vein
- Glitter Wolf
- Valley Of The Giants
