by Jonathan Widran In the mid-2000s, Grammy winning keyboardist and producer Jason Miles developed a unique relationship with the promoters of the world renowned Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, PA, acting as something of an unofficial house ringleader for some once in a lifetime all-star tribute gatherings. Following his rousing shows centered around the music of Luther Vandross , Marvin Gaye , and Ivan Lins -- he also did tribute recordings to the latter two -- Miles dig deep into his love of the classic soul that inspired his own remarkable musical journey and created a stunning Soul Summit at the 2007 festival. As with all of his tribute projects, Miles began with the idea of revisiting classic music with a modern sense, inviting legendary sidemen like "Funk Brother" Bob Babbitt , Reggie Young , and Steve Ferrone to the party; he followed with inspired R&B vocal choices (the rich-voiced Maysa from Incognito and blues/soul singer/songwriter Susan Tedeschi ), and topped the gang off with fiery contemporary saxmen Richard Elliot (who burns down the house on the always invigorating "Shotgun") and Karl Denson , who is also a marvel on flute on a sensual, hypnotic twist on Herbie Mann 's "Memphis Underground." The set goes for different dynamics to convey the many essences of classic soul; while "Shotgun" gets everyone up dancing, "It's Raining" simmers with a richer, more measured intensity thanks to Tedeschi 's impassioned vocals. Sometimes, Miles' choices aren't simply based on great material. Reggie Young played guitar on the original "Son of a Preacher Man," and Tedeschi is the perfect foil for his cool, simmering crackle. Education also plays a part of the show. Most soul fans in the current generation know "What a Man" from the early '90s En Vogue / Salt-N-Pepa version, but it originated with Stax singer Linda Lyndell -- as Maysa and the sizzling horn section remind us. More obvious choices like the blistering 11-minute closing James Brown medley are balanced by more obscure but no less inspiring gems like "Cold Snap" (sung by the gritty Mike Mattison ) and Miles' own contributions to the classic soul (and soul-jazz) legacy, the bubbling flute and sax tune "Chicken and Waffles" and bluesy, horn drenched and vibes flavored "Memphis 2000." Miles amazed in the past with his all-star studio tributes to Lins , Weather Report , and Grover Washington, Jr. . This disc makes a case to bring back the more spontaneous possibilities of live concert CDs.