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Vince Wilburn, Jr. talks about ‘M.E.B. — That You Not Dare to Forget,’ which honors the legacy of Miles Davis

Acclaimed composer and drummer Vince Wilburn, Jr. chatted about the album “M.E.B. — That You Not Dare To Forget.”

Vince Wilburn, Jr.
Vince Wilburn, Jr. Photo Courtesy of Vince Wilburn, Jr.
Vince Wilburn, Jr. Photo Courtesy of Vince Wilburn, Jr.

Acclaimed composer and drummer Vince Wilburn, Jr. chatted about the album “M.E.B. — That You Not Dare To Forget.”

This the first full-length studio album of new compositions and performances from M.E.B. (formerly known as Miles Electric Band), an all-star ensemble of Miles Davis alumni and contemporary hip-hop/jazz disruptors inspired and influenced by Miles Davis and his music.

Wilburn is a member of the young group of Chicago musicians that inspired Miles Davis to return from his late 1970s hiatus. He is a drummer who worked with Miles intermittently from 1980 to 1986; he now co-manages Miles’ estate and continuing business. He is also the late Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s nephew.

Miles Davis was a trumpeter, bandleader, and composer; moreover, he was among the most influential musical figures in the history of jazz and 20th century music. 

Song selection process for the album

On the song selection approach for “M.E.B. — That You Not Dare To Forget,” Wilburn said, “Lenny White and I sat down and listened to songs, we kind of figured out what would fit, based on what would synch well with the band. We kind of imagined the live performances, video, the entire scope of the song. So they kind of spoke to us for the project as we listened.”

On his favorite song(s) on the album, Wilburn responded, “Well, I have two actually. While I love the entire album, my favorite song that I really, really love is– ‘Bitches Are Back’ for the simple reason is Ron Carter is on bass. I love anything that Ron plays.”

“Anytime I get a chance to play with Ron or just listen to him on records I fan out! You know, he’s my hero!  And then, ‘That You Not Dare To Forget’ because we originally wanted Cicely Tyson, who was once married to Miles, to do a spoken word. She loved the track,” he exclaimed.

“We got the song to her, but she passed away before we could complete it. So we did that with Rashae Reeves, who happens to be Lenny White’s granddaughter, who did an amazing job. So I kind of cheated, I have two favorite song,” he said.

Future plans

Regarding his plans for the future, Wilburn shared, “My plans for the future include recording more music and touring with this amazing band of musicians. And to keep evolving in my career as Uncle Miles told us – taught us all – never look back.”

The digital age

On being an artist in the digital age, now with streaming and technology being so prevalent, Wilburn said, “Well, I think everything happens very quickly. There isn’t going to a record store and buying albums and bringing them home and listening to each song. It’s a lost art, but I continue to do it whenever I can. You change with the times and I welcome the new technology and the way we’re getting the music out to the masses. I embrace it.

Advice for hopefuls in music

For young and aspiring artists, Wilburn said, “My advice is to believe in yourself. You know you have to believe in yourself  before others will believe in you. And, when you present your music or whatever you do in your vocation, present it with an authoritative sense of being.”

“You have to believe in yourself and have that confidence and I’ve learned that from a young age,” he added.

Success

On his definition of the word success, Wilburn said, “Being able to wake up in the morning, open your eyes, embrace the world in a positive manner and do the things that you’re passionate about. And maybe with your music, or my music, or our music – make the world a better place. That’s what I strive for.”

“Open your heart, open your ears, open your mind, and take a ride with us. It’s adventurous. It’s a sonic movie for all,” Wilburn concluded about this collection.

“M.E.B. — That You Not Dare To Forget” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.

Markos Papadatos
Written By

Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 20,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

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