Miles Jaye
Miles Jaye Davis, born November 12, 1957, in Yonkers, New York, is an American R&B and jazz singer, jazz violinist, songwriter, and record producer.
He studied music theory and classical violin for over a decade at institutions like the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Saratoga School of Orchestral Studies, Indian Hill, and Brooklyn College. While serving in the US Air Force, he played flute, keyboards, and bass, launching his singing career at Clarke Air Force Base in the Philippines.
Jaye toured Europe with jazz guitarist Eric Gale, Phyllis Hyman, and Jon Lucien before joining Village People as the lead-singing "Cop" in 1982, staying for two years. He then signed with Teddy Pendergrass's Top Priority Records, releasing his debut album Miles on Island Records in 1987.
His biggest hit, "Let's Start Love Over," reached No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1987. Follow-up albums Irresistible (1989) and Strong (1991) included R&B hits like "Heaven" and "Objective." He co-produced and wrote for Pendergrass's 1988 album Joy.
After 1991, Jaye formed Black Tree Records, releasing jazz-influenced albums and collaborating with artists like George Duke, Roy Ayers, Grover Washington Jr., and Branford Marsalis. Now semi-retired, he works on special projects as a singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, and jazz violinist.
Miles
Backing Vocals, Arranged By [Backing Vocals] – Miles Jaye
Drum Programming – Michael Claxton
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar – Jeff Lee Johnson
Engineer – Bob Brockman, Peter Diorio, Ron Banks
Engineer [Assistant] – Arthur Zarratte, Brian McIntire, Brook Hendricks, Ryan Dorn
Keyboards, Producer [Rhythm Tracks] – Hubert Eaves III, Michael Claxton
Producer – Hubert Eaves III
Vibraphone – Roy Ayers
Written-By – M. Claxton 5:00
A2 Lazy Love
Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar, Drum Programming, Drums, Synthesizer, Violin – Miles Jaye
Engineer – Joe Alexander
Producer – M. Jaye
Written-By – M.J. Davis 5:32
A3 Special Thing
Backing Vocals, Organ – Miles Jaye
Bass Guitar – Doug Grigsby
Drum Programming, Synthesizer – Miles Jaye, Raymond Jones
Engineer – Larry DeCarmine
Engineer [Assistant] – Jim Campbell
Guitar – Ron Jennings
Producer – M. Jaye, R. Jones
Written-By – M.J. Davis, R. Jones 4:44
A4 I've Been A Fool For You
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jeff Lee Johnson
Backing Vocals – Annette Hardeman, Charlene Holloway, Cynthia Biggs
Bass Guitar – Steve "Sea Bass" Green
Drums – Clifford "Pete" Rudd
Engineer – Mitch Goldfarb
Engineer [Assistant] – Brook Kendricks, Jim Campbell
Percussion – Dexter Wansel
Piano, Synthesizer – Miles Jaye
Producer – D. Wansel, M. Jaye
Written-By – M.J. Davis 6:02
B1 I Cry For You
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jeff Lee Johnson
Backing Vocals – Annette Hardeman, Charlene Holloway, Cynthia Biggs
Bass Guitar – Steve "Sea Bass" Green
Drums – Clifford "Pete" Rudd
Engineer – Mitch Goldfarb
Engineer [Assistant] – Jim Campbell
Percussion – Dexter Wansel
Piano – Miles Jaye
Producer – D. Wansel, M. Jaye
Synthesizer – Dexter Wansel
Written-By – M.J. Davis 4:16
B2 Come Home
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jeff Lee Johnson
Backing Vocals – Miles Jaye
Drum Programming, Synthesizer – Miles Jaye, Raymond Jones
Engineer – Charlie Singleton, Larry DeCarmine
Engineer [Assistant] – Jim Campbell, Lewis Tadgett
Producer – M. Jaye, R. Jones
Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Written-By – M.J. Davis, R. Jones 4:04
B3 Happy 2 Have U
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jeff Lee Johnson
Backing Vocals – Rachelle Ferrell, Tenita Jordan
Drum Programming, Organ, Synthesizer – Miles Jaye
Electronic Drums [Tom Drums] – James Carter
Engineer – Larry DeCarmine
Engineer [Assistant] – Jim Campbell
Producer – J. Carter, M. Jaye
Programmed By [Synth Horn] – Jim Campbell
Written-By – J. Carter 3:49
B4 Desiree
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jeff Lee Johnson
Backing Vocals – Miles Jaye, Rachelle Ferrell
Bass Guitar, Drum Programming, Synthesizer – Miles Jaye
Engineer – Larry DeCarmine
Engineer [Assistant] – Brook Hendricks, Jim Campbell
Producer – M. Jaye
Written-By – M.J. Davis 5:29
Label: 4th & Broadway – BRLP 515
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul
The 1987 album Miles by Miles Jaye is widely regarded as a classic R&B and soul album, primarily praised for Jaye's brilliant, emotional baritone vocals, which often draw comparisons to Teddy Pendergrass. The album is highly rated by fans for its smooth, quality production.
Jaye's voice is consistently highlighted as exceptional, full of emotion, and a strong point of the record.
The album blends smooth R&B, soul, and elements of new jack swing on some tracks. It's considered a staple of 80s "quiet storm" or "grown man" music.
Several songs receive frequent mention as fan favorites:
"Let's Start Love Over": A major highlight and a popular 12-inch single that many fans bought the album specifically for.
"I've Been a Fool for You": Noted for its perfect production, excellent vocals, and instrumentation (keyboards, percussion).
"Lazy Love": Another well-regarded track.
While the album did not achieve massive mainstream success in the US, particularly compared to major label releases, it developed a strong cult following and is considered a "hidden gem" among soul enthusiasts. Reviewers appreciate the entire album, finding few "duds" and often loving 80% or more of the tracks.
The general consensus among listeners is that Miles is an excellent, classic album from an underrated artist, offering a timeless and smooth listening experience. The album is available on various platforms, including Apple Music and physical media via retailers like Amazon.