released: march 6th, 2026

genre: jazz / ambient

from: chicago, usa

label: l’univers

a few thoughts: will miller’s musical world is intimate, textured and utterly mesmerising. the chicago-based trumpeter and producer’s self-titled debut back in 2019 was a highlight for me that year, a sprawling compositional piece of music that was dense and incredibly poignant from start to finish. since then he’s released more incredibly textured and beautiful projects. themes for dreams is the natural continuation of his soft, moody and transcendental sound. 13-tracks of lush, meditative music. from the gorgeous opener “far cry”, with its immersive piano-led piece makes for an immersive and beautiful opener. the angelic, ethereal quality on tracks like “dream theme” featuring marta sofia honer, “lilacs”, “tea” and “time”, the latter two of which feature william corduroy, are stunning pieces, with lush, piano-led melodies and guitar arrangements that are just incredible throughout. the warm, inviting energy led by its trumpet compositions on “leaves” featuring irvin pierce & andrew toombs is playful and colourful, while the warm, synth-led “life lessons” is another immersive and powerful moment on the album. “froggy meadow” is another gorgeous moment, as the synth melodies feel earthly and inviting, while “alone with guitar” and “dormir très bien” are two exceptionally moving and beautiful moments on the album. the ethereal “deep sleep” featuring jeremiah chiu, marta sofia honer, matt gold and macie stewart is an overpowering piece, with stunning synths that are just incredible throughout. “life goes on” and “memories of dreams” close the album out with two stunning pieces that again, bring warmth and a meditative quality. themes for dreams is simply a stunning body of work that showcases will’s incredible talent as an arranger and producer.

the album: