606: Vince Wilburn, Jr. – Miles Davis and Beyond
Nephew of Miles Davis, Vince Wilburn, Jr, had an interesting childhood to say the least. Being part of Davis’ family definitely had it’s perks, like free records from the labels and meeting Jazz luminaries on a regular basis, but Vine had nothing handed to him. Working hard at his craft, Wilburn made a name for himself as a drummer, most notably, he was in a band called AL7, which caught Miles’ attention. Via phone, Miles would listen to AL7 rehearse in Vince’s mom basement. That band became the catalyst for The Man with the Horn, Miles’ 1981 comeback album. The album was recorded in NY using AL7’s core rhythm section.
After writing, producing, and touring with several artists, Vince founded NEFDRUM, his production company. Based on Vince’s talent and relationships, NEFDRUM recordings feature all-star performances by music icons such as Billy Preston, Darryl Jones, Charley Drayton, Ivan Neville, Ray Parker, Jr., Wah Wah Watson, Freddie Washington, Randy Hall, and Phil Upchurch.
Vince and his cousins, Cheryl and Erin, also oversee Miles Davis Properties, LLC.
Vince Wilburn, Jr. talks about
- Growing up in Chicago
- What it was like to be Miles Davis’ nephew
- Becoming drawn to drums from a young age
- Learning drums by playing along to albums
- The importance of studying your instrument