This isn't the wild experimental music of a John Coletrane, the be-bop of Charlie Parker, or even the fusion music that Davis came to be identified with later in life. The type of orchestral jazz music that predominates on Sketches Of Spain degenerated in later years into the bland offerings of Las Vegas. However, as we see here, when in the hands of artistic geniuses like Davis and Evans this style of music rivals both the finest creations of classical composers and contemporary jazz. It's no coincidence that of the three albums these two men did together two of them included pieces originally created for full orchestras., Porgy and Bess and this one Sketches Of Spain.
If you only ever have heard the music of Miles Davis from the later stages of his career, than this recording will come as somewhat of a surprise to you. However, you can also hear all those aspects of his playing that made him such a pleasure to listen to at any stage of his life. The bringing together of all the various bits and pieces associated with the recording sessions that produced Sketches Of Spain in one collection is long overdue, and is indeed part of Miles Davis' legacy. This is a must have for anyone who considers themselves either a jazz or Miles Davis fan.
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.