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Miles Davis
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Wednesday, 21 March 2007 12:50
Miles Dewey Davis b.1926 d.1991


Miles Davis, born May 26, 1926 in Alton, Illinois, was primarily regarded as a key figure in the 20th Century world of jazz trumpet, but also as performer, bandleader and composer. His music and style was important in the development of improvisational techniques incorporating modes rather than standard chord changes. Miles' experiments with modal playing reached its pinnacle in 1959 with his recording of Kind of Blue.


The music and styles of Miles Davis from one period of his life to the next varied quite differently. He has composed many tunes that today are considered standard repertoire for aspiring jazz musicians. Tunes such as Nardis, Milestones, and So What are typical examples. Miles Davis had an uncanny ability of always selecting great sidemen for his recording sessions, including saxists John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Wayne Shorter and Kenny Garrett, drummer Jack deJohnette, bassists Dave Holland and Jaco Pastorius and pianist Joseph Zawinul. These recordings are full of original and creative sensitivity and are outstanding examples of jazz recordings made at that time.


His trumpet playing could be described as restrained with regard to phrasing and quantity of notes. Examples include Bag's Groove and The Man I Love. He used silence effectively throughout his soloing and in the 1950s, experiemented with changing the trumpet's tone through the use of Harmon mute, giving an 'after hours weariness' to his haunting melodies. By the 1960s, many of his solos explored the upper range of his trumpet and he embraced the use of electronic instruments in his recordings. Landmark records such as 'Bitches Brew' appeared at this time. This marked yet another phase in his development as jazz innovator, with albums such as Star People resounding to the beat of heavy fusion rhythms and simple melodies, a precursor to the hip hop of today.

Miles Davis was also a competent artist and in 1988 created a series of abstract works involving 'hot colours' and 'clashing shapes'. Described as 'post-modernist', and often resplendant in bright, vibrant clothing, his onstage fashion sense reflected this mood too.


Although Miles Davis died September 28, 1991, his music and influence in the world of jazz remains in effect today.

Jazzwise © 2005

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Last Updated on Thursday, 22 March 2007 15:38
 
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