Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Miles Davis

Today is the 20th anniversary of the death of Miles Davis -- here is a tribute to a great musician.

(Disclaimer -- For years I refused to go to a live Miles concert. I was present at a N.Y. concert where the opening act was Nina Simone (a relative unknown). She WOWED the audience. No one wanted her to leave the stage.

When Miles group came out -- he wasn't there. they started (without him) "cooking" -- eventually he came out, did a tweedle-de-deedle - STALKED off the stage -- eventually came back out, back to the audience, played a few figures - walked off again. eventually he came out and played a set (sort of).

I was really young. The tickets cost me a lot (given my income). I wanted to see and hear Miles -- Nina was an unexpected bonus. She wowed me -- he did not.

At that point I vowed to NEVER again buy tickets for any Miles performance, since he might or might not actually play.

I also stopped buying albums -- unless they were "must haves".

Today I realize how important he was, how brilliant -- at the same time some of his posturing still rankles.

You do not have to love your audience -- but -- if you book a concert, at least try to show up in more than body. Show up.)


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Personnel: Miles Davis (trumpet), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums)


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Personnel: Miles Davis (trumpet), Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums)


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Personnel: Miles Davis (trumpet), Charlie Parker (tenor sax), John Lewis (piano), Nelson Boyd (bass), Max Roach (drums) (1947)


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"What I Say" written by Miles Davis performed live in Georgetown , Washington, D.C. on December 19 1970 released on "Cellar Door Sessions". Miles Davis (Trumpet + Wah Wah) Gary Bartz (Soprano, Alto Sax) Keith Jarrett (Keyboard, Organ) Jack DeJohnette (Drums) Michael Henderson (Bass) Airto Moreira (Percussion) John Mclaughlin (Guitar)




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Miles Davis - On Green Dolphin street

PAUL LAURENCE DUMBAR CHAMBERS- double bass
JIMMY COBB- Drums
BILL EVANS-Piano


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Miles Davis - Oleo

Musicians:
Miles Davis: Trumpet
Sonny Rollins: Tenor saxophone
Horace Silver: Piano
Percy Heath: Bass
Kenny Clarke: Drums


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Oleo

Miles Davis - Trumpet
John Coltrane - Tenor Sax
Red Garland - Piano
Paul Chambers - Bass
Philly Joe Jones - Drums

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