Jazz Articles about Miles Davis

Electric Miles: Danger, High Voltage

by R.J. DeLuke
March 8, 2004

Miles Beyond: Electric Explorations of Miles Davis, 1967-1991 Paul Tingen Watson-Guptill Pub ISBN: 0823083462

The new book by Paul Tingen on the music of Miles Davis is a long time in coming. How did a book like this take so long to come around? Let's not go there. The author has his own thoughts about the ignorance, stubbornness and prejudice of so many jazz writers. They're worth reading and he doesn't pull punches.

Miles: Ever Changing, Ever Perplexing

by R.J. DeLuke
March 8, 2004

Miles Davis and American Culture Gerald Early (Editor) Univ of Missouri Press ISBN: 1883982375

Miles Davis is such a dominating figure that he will probably be analyzed forever. His importance in music is obvious. As a performer, conceptualist, bandleader, trumpeter, guru – whatever – he stands as one of the most significant geniuses in music history, let alone 20th century music.The music, as Miles was fond of saying, speaks for ...

Miles, From the Eyes of a Friend

by R.J. DeLuke
March 8, 2004

Miles to Go Chris Murphy Thunder's Mouth Press ISBN: 1560253614

A new book on Miles Davis has hit the stands and it’s bound to garner some reaction because of its subject matter: another take on the Price of Darkness, or whatever moniker one wants to stick on the musical and mystical icon from East St. Louis. This one is a fast, breezy read about life on the road, written by Chris Murphy. ...

Miles and Me

by R.J. DeLuke
March 8, 2004

Miles and Me Quincy Troupe Univ of CA Press 200pp. 0520216245

After years of worship from afar, a young writer meets his idol at a party in a short matter-of-fact encounter that ends with the Black Prince sliding almost mysteriously out the door and into the night. A short time later he sees the icon on Broadway, around 81st Street. He calls out, hoping for a glimmer or recognition, ...

Stuff of Legends: Miles and Co. and Kind of Blue

by R.J. DeLuke
March 8, 2004

From the first notes of Bill Evans piano intro it starts to hook you. The resonant tones from Paul Chambers bass tip-toe in and the head to “So What" is played. Then the warm, soulful trumpet enters as a resounding, but subtle, symbol crash from drummer Jimmy Cobb sets off the beginning of Miles Davis' solo and musical journey. That expedition doesn't last for just one song, but an entire album. And not just any album. It's Kind ...

Miles Davis: The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions

by Germein Linares
January 20, 2004

Columbia Records' reissue arm, Legacy Recordings, issues The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions, a comprehensive five CD set documenting the output of Miles Davis and his band between February 2 and June 4, 1970. These sessions would yield the full material for A Tribute To Jack Johnson (1970) and also contribute to Live Evil (1970), Get Up With It (1972), Big Fun (1974), and Directions (1980).

In their flamboyant lifestyle and mutual distrust of white America, Davis and Johnson ...

Miles Davis: The Miles Davis Story

by Jim Santella
December 1, 2003

Sony’s film biography of Miles Davis approaches its subject with a warmth of spirit that’s not always found in the narrative adventures of an artist or in the documentary of a genre such as jazz. Director Mike Dibb combines essential aural and visual elements to bring his production to life. Many of the film segments and mini-interviews come from contemporary sources. Davis’ paintings bring their vivid colors to the screen, while close friends of the artist provide candid comments. The ...