 Miller was recommended for Art Blakey 's Jazz Messengers by Blakey members Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison , and he joined the drummer 's band in 1983 . Initially , he struggled to fit in with Blakey dominating the rhythm section , but Miller stated that , over his period with the band , " My playing just generally matured . I don 't think one single characteristic changed , but the experience certainly boosted my confidence " . At times during concert performances he was allotted a solo piano spot , which Miller used to play medleys . His presence in the Jazz Messengers cemented his reputation within jazz . His recording career as a leader began in 1985 , with Keys to the City , the first of Miller 's several recordings for Landmark Records . Jon Pareles ' review of a solo concert in 1986 noted that Miller 's playing showed the influence of Powell on some numbers and Kelly on others , but that , overall , he was developing " his own , authoritative style " . 
