Style: Orchestral jazz
Primary Emotions/Themes: A clinic of musical ability put on by one of the true master's of the style.
Thoughts: When it comes to jazz, Miles Davis needs no introduction. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential and important figures in both jazz and the African American history.
I'm not one to consider myself an expert on jazz in the slightest. I just know what I like and what I don't in the style. Jazz is rather unique tho, even the stuff I don't like I usually find some kind of redeeming quality in it. Not many other styles of music have that effect on me.
Porgy and Bess is an adaption of George Gershwin's last Broadway musical with Mr. Davis leading the way with this emotive trumpet... and that is really the long and the short of it. This is a full on orchestral performance that has a solo trumpet as the main actor.
It goes through all the twists and turns that you would expect a Broadway musical to go through. Some of the songs are filled with stacattoed notes, others showcase the drumming to the fullest extent, some feel more like traditional jazz trio arrangements, while others feature the full orchestra... but they all show off Miles' trumpet front and center.
Regardless of where the album leads me I always find myself swept away by the depth of character shown by all the musicians. It's not just Miles at the top of his game here, it's every single musician on the album. They all know exactly what to do and when to do it. This is a well oiled machine and the end result is nothing short of amazing.
Porgy and Bess is often considered one of the better entries into Mr. Davis' extensive catalog, and I can see why. This is a clinic in musicianship and blending of two vastly different styles. It works beautifully, and gives me yet a deeper appreciation for the art that he and those working with him was able to produce.
Written June 30th 2024
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