Here are some of my shorthand notes based around a conversation I had with Miguel Atwood-Ferguson at his apartment in July 2010.  all of the quotes are not verbatim and are simply some of his thoughts jotted down by me. When I arrived at his home for our interview, the front door was ajar, “It’s actually perfect timing. I’ve been on the phone all day, booking rehearsals.” He admits once I walk inside, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran grabs my eye on top of a stack of books, across from hundreds of CDs neatly lined against the wall. Framed posters of past masters frame the musical instruments in the living room, which has a shrine in the center.

Online his viral body of work is considerable. Countless concert performances and jam sessions rendered in HD featuring his genius are embedded in the brains and blogs of die hard music fans the world over. During a seemingly endless conversation about our favorite musicians, the best recordings of all time, and the newest batch of talent from our respective hometown he prepared meal for us, and I realized he is as respectful of artists as they are of him. He can be seen prominently in said footage, full of energy, with trademark grin that speaks volumes about his approach to the pursuit of art. “The happier I become, the more welcoming I vibrate.” he informs me as he settles into the chair opposite me at the living room table.

How long have you been a Buddhist?

Eleven years. When I was a freshman at USC I was first introduced, and I’m the only person in my family that practices.  I had been a leader for a long time at the friendship center on the west side. Nowadays it’s hard for me to make it to the meetings, so I stepped down to devote all my time to music. People have been joking about me the next Quincy Jones which is too much. I started playing the violin at four, which was my choice supposedly? I told my parents I really wanted to do this. I’ve grown up with music, and I realize now, in the classical tradition there’s this mindset of the wrong way and a right way. In my experience, there’s an infinite number of ways to do things, you just got to study. Some ways won’t work, perhaps the one you’re trying to manifest at a particular moment in time. I’m not trying to generalize that the classical approach is close-minded, but that’s that they teach it in school. My love for “classical” music grows every day. Although, there is more than one type of “classical” music to me, and I’m overjoyed to play music from different cultures and different genres.

Miguel has brought beautiful musicality back to music in L.A. He is free jazz. He hears the music of the divine dimensions and pulls it down here for the lost angels to hear.” (Ainjoy Nkiruka)

How long have you been a part of Quartetto Fantastico? My first time seeing you live was when you opened for (Arthur) Verocai with them.

I formed the group three or four years ago. Dr. Dre had asked me to put together a string section. These are the people that I chose. We did I think maybe two or three sessions for him, and we liked the energy so much we decided to keep playing together afterwards. We did tracks for Detox, but date changes, just everything? I’ve never had a chance to check out the end result, but have a huge respect for him and his work so I can’t wait to hear it.

During your performances, there’s a sense of fearlessness, who would you credit with bringing that out?

Well we were doing really intricate pieces right? (Laughs) Yeah, it’s been hard with the timeless tour to watch J.Rocc show me my mistakes over and over but it’s always a blessing to perform. I would admit Qunicy Jones influenced me for sure. We did a Henry Mancini tribute at the Walt Disney concert hall not too long ago. He floated onstage, probably displaced my own consciousness, Quincy just gets up there and kind of smiled and vibes with it. He did have a familiar approach some of my teachers had, that feeling of equality which is a must. He just kind of danced! That forever changed my life. He just one, two, and started to feel it you know? He’s a music nerd at heart too, whatever you achieve for yourself the more value you have in life. At the end of the day I just want to be as happy and enjoy my life. It made so much sense to me, and I took that experience with me for sure to the Suite for Ma Dukes. I’d never conducted before that. I’d taken a class or two, but got my BA in classical viola. I never wanted to conduct, but it was a prerequisite. Bach, Debussy, I really like all the classics, really more than anything it’s a joy. Brad Mehldau is another one of my musical heroes. The more we hear what we like, the more we feel comfortable of ourselves to find new musical experiences.

“Miguel is a Dynamo. He’s Brahms, blue grass, be-bop & hip-hop!” (Om’mas Keith)

Mine as well. In my opinion, “The Suite for Ma Dukes” is easily one of the best concert films of all time.  What was it like to see that from concept to completion?

It easily took twenty hour days, working on it in with the Metropole Orkest in the Netherlands. It was maybe about 700 hours of preparation total? Writing the music, everything plus rehearsal times, but to translate Yancey’s work musically was a joy. It is difficult to have the discipline hours to write that down. Sixteen hours of writing after an hour of chanting, or the gym. The sum total of time I invested is nothing compared to the time spent listening to James’s music though. (Points to his chest) Here, I love Dilla, all the classic musicians throughout time. They’re all my heroes, to have that chance to pay tribute to one of my biggest heroes? And his mom was there, she’s so real and genuine. Just the fact that she gave us her blessing all along, I feel like she’s family. She’s really special you know, there putting in work, not complaining. She could easily complain about so many things, but she doesn’t have any hatred.  It’s really impressive. I took a trip to Detroit not long ago, and had a chance to meet his whole family. It’s was a real vivid moment for me. Dilla’s little girl was there. “Thank you for making my dad’s music for the orchestra” she said to me at one point. I was so overcome with emotion I just broke down, it wasn’t about me, it’s about everybody, but in that house with J.rocc and all the whole Yancey tribe? I was so moved, just bawling at an extremely beautiful experience.

Photography by Azul213.com “Miguel Conducts” (Suite for Ma Dukes)