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Miriam Sullivan

Born and raised in New York City, Miriam Sullivan was exposed to music by her parents. Their great taste and variety in music largely influenced her early on in life. At the age of twelve she had her first formal instruction in music, studying classical guitar with Jim Bartow at the Harlem School of the Arts. She became a regular face in just about all of the studios there, including dance, drama, visual art, percussion, piano and chorus. Shortly after, Miriam was accepted into the Fiorello Laguardia School of Music and Performing Arts, where she switched from guitar to play cello in the orchestra, ultimately switching to the bass. With the guidance of her fellow peers, band direct and educator Justin Diccioccio, she began playing in the school jazz band. This experience and the help of bass teacher Linda Mc Night and guitarist Rodney Jones, propelled her into the future where she would attend and four years later receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the Manhattan School of Music Conservatory. Miriam also attended the Jazz Mobile Workshops in Harlem every Saturday where she studied with the great bassist and mentor Lisle Atkinson and the soulful Charles Davis. She attended pianist Barry Harris’ workshops on a weekly basis and was even awarded a scholarship fund to attend Jazz in July program in Saratoga NY from the late great Milt Hinton.

Since then Miriam has gone on to share the stage with such talents as the great Lionel Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Rachel Z, Jesse Davis, Ingrid Jenson, Denis Charles, Josh Redmen and Onaje Allan Gumbs just to name a few.

“Sullivan puts down plush, rhythmically driving bass lines,” croons the Chicago Tribune.

Miriam has been a reoccurring face since 2000 at the Kennedy Center’s annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival in Washington D.C. Playing in bands led by pianist Rachel Z and Joanne Brackeen, Miriam Sullivan would eventually bring her own project to the stage in 2004 and feature such fresh talents as Nasheet Waits(dr), Tia Fuller(sax), Miki Hayama(piano) and Ambrose Akinmisure (Tpt).

In 2003, Miriam Sullivan co founded the group ”Jazz Sabroson” with drummer Antonio De Vivo and was commissioned by the Kennedy Center and Department of State to participate in the international program of cultural exchange performing in Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Barbados, Jamaica, Nevis and the Dominican Republic.

In 2006 the Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center elected the group to participate in the Rhythm Abroad Program, this time traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco and Algeria.

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155

Recording

Bassists, Mimi Jones Reveals Her Distinctive Style with Her Debut CD “A New Day”

Bassists, Mimi Jones Reveals Her Distinctive Style with Her Debut CD “A New Day”

Source: Sound Visions Media

Released today on Hot Tone Music, September 15, 2009

The debut CD, “A New Day” (Hot Tone Music), co- produced by bassist and composer Mimi Jones, is already receiving excellent reviews and attention as it receives it's official release. Jazziz Magazine features one of Ms Jones’s tracks in their current issue and said, “Mimi Jones displays a sure hand and a distinctive style on her fresh sounding debut.” She was recently the featured artist on the cover of “No Treble ...

319

Recording

In a World of Female Bassists Mimi Jones Sets the Bar with Her Debut CD “A New Day”

In a World of Female Bassists Mimi Jones Sets the Bar with Her Debut CD “A New Day”

Source: Sound Visions Media

With the musical world buzzing about Esperanza Spalding it’s no wonder that the timing is perfect for the release of yet another extraordinary female bassist, composer and vocalist.

Introducing Mimi Jones and her debut CD “A New Day” (Hot Tone Music) set for release on September 15th, 2009. Mimi Jones recently gave a sneak preview of her debut CD during the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at the prestigious Kennedy Center along with performances featuring the world's top female ...

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Performance / Tour

Mimi Jones CD Sneak Preview at the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival

Mimi Jones CD Sneak Preview at the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival

Source: Sound Visions Media

The “Magic Bass Sounds” Of Mimi Jones At The Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival Featuring a sneak preview of the debut CD release A New Day Mimi Jones brings her “magic sounds on the bass” to the Kennedy Center premiering her soon to be released debut CD, A New Day as part of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival. Hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater, the festival marks its 14th thrilling year with three evenings of star-studded performances featuring ...

142

Event

Miriam Sullivan and friends unplugged at the Puffin Cultural Forum

Miriam Sullivan and friends unplugged at the Puffin Cultural Forum

Source: All About Jazz

Aspiring artist Miriam Sullivan plays various musical styles on the bass, including jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul, Latin, rock, and free music. With Gullah percussionist David Pleasant, Miki Hayama on piano and synthesizer, and a special guest on guitar, Sullivan will perform at the Puffin Cultural Forum on January 21st at 8:00 pm. Suggested donation is $5.00. The Forum is located at 20 East Oakdene Avenue in Teaneck.

Sullivan has won the competition on Showtime at the Apollo Theatre several times. ...

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