by Scott Yanow A colorful soloist and an impressive technician in the tradition of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, Butch Miles graduated from West Virginia State College in 1966 and worked locally in West Virginia. He toured with Mel Tormé (1972-1974) and made a strong impression propelling Count Basie's Orchestra (1975-1979). After a few months with Dave Brubeck (recording Back Home for Concord in 1979) and a year with Tony Bennett, Miles became a busy freelance musician. He has played at many jazz parties and festivals with a countless number of musicians, including -- most notably -- Gerry Mulligan, Zoot Sims, Woody Herman, Wild Bill Davison, Clark Terry, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, and Bob Wilber's Bechet Legacy. Miles led seven fine albums for Famous Door (1977-1982) that feature swing standards and a couple of records for Dreamstreet, including a vocal date. In 1997, Butch Miles toured with the Count Basie Orchestra (under the direction of Grover Mitchell) and showed that he was still a fiery drummer quite skilled at showmanship.