Andy Milne

Pianist and keyboardist Andy Milne stands among the foremost talents to arise from the M-Base Collective. Leading his ensemble Cosmic Dapp Theory, he fuses intricate jazz language with urban funk grooves while embedding pointed social and spiritual observations. His bold, vigorous compositions seek to extend well past the core jazz listenership.

Born in Canada, Milne trained at York University and subsequently at the Banff Centre for Fine Arts, where alto saxophonist and M-Base founder Steve Coleman took notice of his abilities. Milne entered Coleman’s Five Elements in 1992 and continued through 1997, also participating in several other Coleman projects and appearing on ten of his albums. At the same time he initiated his own leadership work, issuing the cassette The “E” Is Silent in 1995 and beginning to tour with his group. His first CD, Forward to Get Back, followed in 1997. He assembled Cosmic Dapp Theory in 1998; the band released New Age of Aquarius the next year on his Controlology label. The album drew extensive critical praise and earned the group a two-night engagement at the 2000 Montreal Jazz Festival. Apart from Cosmic Dapp Theory, Milne serves as sideman for artists such as Ravi Coltrane, Carla Cook, and Carlos Ward. He maintains an active teaching schedule and handles his own management.