Another big surprise for me concerning this album, Davis hadn't written any of the music for it. After years of hearing of this album, I had been under the impression that it was a Miles Davis record in the sense that he had written the music as well as performed on it. In reality, this is as much Gil Evans' recording as it is Davis', for anything he didn't write he arranged. True he created the arrangements with Davis in mind, transposing the guitar leads of Rodrigo's composition for Davis' trumpet, but it was his creative spark responsible for this album's existence. Yet even on this anniversary edition of the recording Evans is only given secondary billing on the cover as arranger and conductor - with no mention of his role as composer.
Of course there's good reason for Davis to receive top billing on this album as it is his horn playing that people are shelling out the money to hear. On Sketches he plays both trumpet and flugel horn and in either case his playing is some of the sweetest trumpet sounds you'll hear. Trumpets, as befits their status as brass instruments, normally have a brassy sound that I find particularly grating at times. Davis has the ability to smooth out his sound so that instead of the almost piercing quality that so many players seem apt to produce, all sharp edges and somewhat harsh, his playing is smooth, round and easier on the ears, while at the same time able to convey a great deal of emotion.
It's a style of playing that's ideally suited to the music being played on this disc with its overtones of sadness and the overall muted tone of the music. Even at those times when his playing increases in volume or emotional intensity it does so with a subtlety and grace that allows the listener ample time to adjust to, and appreciate, the new levels. Davis seems to have a relationship with the music that goes beyond that of someone merely playing notes. It's as if each note has its own existence independent of the rest, and he cradles that life in his hands for just the right amount of time to allow it to fulfill its purpose in a piece of music.
Article comments
1 - Horace Mungin
Richard,
I really enjoyed reading your article on Mile Davis and Sketches Of Spain - it is one of my favorite albums and it was pleasuable to read the thoughts of someone who really know and love the music. Yes 'Trane's music was often experimental, but his work on Teo (Someday My Prince Will Come)was an experiment that worked. I say that John Coltrane talked to God in a review I wrote on Teo. That review is here in BC.
I look forward to readng more of your work.
2 - roger nowosielski
Exactemundo. Miles Davis's Sketches of Spain is superb. A must CD for every music lover, jazz or classical.
3 - roger nowosielski
Horace,
I'd like to alert you to a new talent among the BC ranks - Jeannie Danna. You'll find her on the BC search engine. And I'm certain you'll find her style and way of expression not only refreshing but also as natural as I have found yours - especially the pieces she published in Culture.
Take care.