The Carlton Club Manchester
Rowan Lodge 113 Carlton Road, M16 8BE
Manchester-born drummer, composer and winner of the 2025 Peter Wittingham award,
Miles Pillinger intertwines raw improvisation with rich, uplifting rhythms and melodies of
Brazil. Miles’ playing takes influences from Hermeto Pascoal, Max Roach, Chick Corea,
creating a melodic, creative sound described as ‘The voice of the Youth’ (Nikki Yeoh).
Since graduating from Leeds Conservatoire in 2023, Miles has already made a huge impact
on the UK jazz scene. Currently based in London, he is quickly becoming a go-to drummer on
the scene. Playing with artists such as Olivia Cuttill, Tara lily, Nikki Yeoh, Mica Millar, Chip
Wickham and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, with the ability to seamlessly change
between any genre.
Having grown up in a musical household, listening to the likes of Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis,
Joshua Redman from a young age, he has always been deeply rooted in jazz.
During his studies in Leeds, he became fascinated in Brazilian Music. This led him to live and
study in Brazil In 2025 to further deepen his understanding of Brazilian music and culture.
His upcoming debut album ‘Belonging’ highlights the importance of what and who makes
you feel you, conveyed through his Afro-Brazilian jazz-inspired compositions.
His 2023 debut EP ‘Sunrise’ demonstrates his ability to combine singable, meaningful
melodies alongside colourful improvisation, inviting you into a unique sound world unlike any
other.
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