Quick Questions: Vocalist Milton Suggs

We recently caught up with vocalist Milton Suggs, featured in May 2019 Chicago Jazz Magazine, and asked a few Quick Questions. Here’s what he had to say...

...also, you can catch Milton live in Chicago February 21/22! Click here for details, and stay tuned to ChicagoJazz.com for more info.

CJ: What music are you listening to right now?

MS: I’ve got Marquis Hill’s Love Tape and Joel Ross’s Kingmaker in my rotation right now. Plus there is always some ’70s soul in the queue.

CJ: What’s been the most influential recording on your singing?

MS: The most influential recording on my singing is Donny Hathaway Live. That is the epitome of how I want a live show to feel. There’s also a live recording of Roy Hargrove’s quintet playing a slow blues—that one has been a major influence.

CJ: What famous classic recording has special meaning for you?

MS: Errol Garner’s Concert by the Sea is one of my all-time favorites. It’s pure magic and it really made me want to learn to play piano.

CJ: What kind of mic do you prefer for live performances, and why?

MS: Right now I love to use my Shure Super 55 mic, it has the classic look and also gives a good sound. There’s probably another great mic out there, but I haven’t found it yet.

CJ: What’s your favorite movie?

MS: My favorite movie is Boomerang. I've seen it many dozens of times and it never fails to make me laugh. It’s Eddie Murphy at the height of his powers.

CJ: What events, recordings, etc., are on your musical horizon?

MS: I’m looking forward to spending a weekend performing in Chicago on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22. I’m doing my Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute show at the late Willie and Irma Pickens’s church home, Hyde Park Union Church, then I’ll be at Fulton Street Collective performing my music with a quintet of Chicago-based musician friends.

Keep up to date with Milton here.