Miles Davis changed the landscape of Jazz for many different reasons. However, no one reason stands out to his fans as much as how Miles constantly re-invented his sound, and consequently the genre of Jazz. Miles had no regards for the 'rules' of Jazz, highlighted by albums such as "Kind Of Blue" that moved away from the complex chord progressions that dominated Jazz at the time.
Ultimately, Miles did what he wanted, and in doing so, shaped the landscape of Jazz at the time and for generations ahead. When Bill Mathieu reviewed Sketches of Spain, he was quoted saying: "If there is to be a new jazz, a shape of things to come, then this is the beginning."
On the other hand, when Miles was asked about suggestions that this was a step in a different direction of typical Jazz, he responded: "It's music, and I like it."
Dive into "Holican's Favorite Miles Davis Electric," a concise Spotify playlist featuring the essence of Miles Davis's electric era. Including pivotal tracks like "Water Babies," "In a Silent Way," and "Hannibal," this selection showcases the revolutionary fusion of jazz with electric elements. Experience the innovative sounds that changed jazz forever, all in one electrifying playlist.
The 1971 electric performances by Miles Davis sparked a deep appreciation among fans for his bold sound and innovation. Fans have taken to the internet to share their admiration and insights, with comments painting a vivid picture of the impact Davis had on music and on them personally. One fan remarked, "So raw, demented, urgently honest. This is more punk, than any punk rock has ever been!" capturing the raw emotion and groundbreaking nature of Davis's performance. Another noted the emotional and creative toll such innovation takes, saying, "He was moving into a very wild and intense place in his creative mind at the time. You have to live it to play it. No wonder he needed a break in the latter half of the 70’s. It’s exhausting to be a musical genius."
The consensus among fans, especially regarding the Fall ‘71 Tour of Europe, is neatly summed up in the proclamation, "This Fall ‘71 Tour of Europe is Electric Miles at his best!"
These comments collectively highlight not just the technical excellence of Davis's electric period but also the emotional depth and cultural shift it represented. These comments illustrate a shared experience that transcends time, underscoring the enduring legacy of Miles Davis as a pioneer who not only challenged the conventions of jazz but also inspired a legion of fans and musicians alike to embrace the beauty of innovation and the power of genuine expression.
The "Holican's Miles Davis Hall of Fame" playlist is a curated journey through the most iconic and transformative tracks from Miles Davis's illustrious career, showcasing his revolutionary impact on jazz and music at large. From the haunting melodies of "So What" to the groundbreaking fusion sounds of "Bitches Brew," each selection exemplifies Davis's fearless experimentation and his ability to redefine musical boundaries. This collection serves as both an introduction to Davis's genius for new listeners and a deep dive into his most influential works for aficionados, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and expression that defines his legacy.
"Kind of Blue" stands as a monumental achievement in jazz, widely recognized as one of the genre's most iconic albums. It's the go-to record for newcomers to fall in love with jazz, offering a seamless blend of melody and mood that's both accessible and profound. Jazzwise has even ranked it as the greatest jazz album ever, a sentiment echoed by many in the music world. Yet, intriguingly, it never won a Grammy, highlighting a surprising oversight in its otherwise celebrated history.
By 1959, Miles Davis had already made significant waves in jazz, but "Kind of Blue" marked a defining moment in his career. With this album, Davis delved into modal jazz, moving away from the intricate chord progressions prevalent at the time. This shift not only showcased his innovative spirit but also set a new course for jazz itself.
Upon its release, "Kind of Blue" received widespread acclaim, captivating critics and fellow musicians with its simplicity and emotional depth. It instantly transformed the jazz landscape, influencing countless artists and enduring as a timeless masterpiece. Even without a Grammy, "Kind of Blue" confirms Miles Davis's genius and his enduring impact on music, proving that true artistry transcends awards and accolades.
Explore "Holican's Favorite Miles Davis Hard Bop" on Spotify, capturing the intensity and soul of Davis's hard bop era. Featuring classics like "Well, You Needn't," "Somethin' Else," and "It Could Happen To You," this playlist is a deep dive into the hard-hitting, rhythmically complex world of hard bop that Davis mastered. Perfect for aficionados and new listeners alike, these tracks are quintessential Miles, showcasing the brilliance of his early years.
The age old question new fans always ask about Miles is, what made his sound so iconic? Was it his tone, timing, mood or instrument?
While the answer is all four of those, the most notable of the four is the distinct Miles Davis tone. Miles's tone is so distinct, with most songs you can tell it is a Miles Davis record from the first note.
His tone was dark, but also smooth, using no vibrato. He also popularised the use of the harmon mute, something that further added to his distinct tone. His recording of Bye Bye Black Bird, perfectly highlights this tone.
Miles Davis was a magnet for the world's most talented musicians, creating iconic collaborations that reshaped jazz. His partnership with Herbie Hancock is a prime example of his ability to lead and inspire.
During a memorable performance of "So What" in Germany, with Tony Williams on drums and Ron Carter on bass, Hancock hit what clearly was a wrong note. Miles, ever the intuitive leader, seamlessly integrated it, turning a clear mistake into a moment of innovation and improvised beauty. Hancock, paralysed by the moment, says that looking back he realised that to Miles, it wasn't a mistake but rather something that happened, a necessary event. Since he viewed this as a necessary event, Miles needed to follow up with something based on this, wrong, but necessary note. This story perfectly aligns with the famous Davis quote: "Do not fear mistakes, there are none".
Beyond Hancock, Davis's collaborations read like a who's who of jazz: John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans, and Chick Corea, among others. These musicians, under Davis's guidance, found new heights of creativity. His leadership wasn't just about direction but empowering each artist to explore and contribute uniquely. This environment fostered groundbreaking music and propelled the careers of these legends.
The "Holican's Most Underrated Miles Davis Records" playlist delves into the lesser-known yet profoundly impactful corners of Miles Davis's discography, highlighting the depth and versatility of his musical genius. Many of these tracs offer listeners a glimpse into Davis's experimental side, blending elements of jazz, rock, and avant-garde. This carefully crafted selection not only broadens the understanding of Davis's contributions to music but also offers an enriching experience for those eager to explore the subtleties and complexities of his art beyond his mainstream hits.
Miles Davis changed the landscape of Jazz for many different reasons. However, no one reason stands out to his fans as much as how Miles constantly re-invented his sound, and consequently the genre of Jazz.
Miles had no regards for the 'rules' of Jazz, highlighted by albums such as "Kind Of Blue" that moved away from the complex chord progressions that dominated Jazz at the time.
Ultimately, Miles did what he wanted, and in doing so shape the landscape of Jazz at the time and for generations ahead. When Bill Mathieu reviewed Sketches of Spain, he was quoted saying: "If there is to be a new jazz, a shape of things to come, then this is the beginning." On the other hand, when Miles was asked about suggestions that this was a step in a different direction of typical Jazz, he responded: "It's music, and I like it."
Miles Davis was a magnet for the world's most talented musicians, creating iconic collaborations that reshaped jazz. His partnership with Herbie Hancock is a prime example of his ability to lead and inspire.
During a memorable performance of "So What" in Germany, with Tony Williams on drums and Ron Carter on bass, Hancock thought he hit what clearly was a wrong note. Miles, ever the intuitive leader, seamlessly integrated it, turning a clear mistake into a moment of innovation and improvised beauty. Hancock, paralysed by the moment, says that looking back he realised that to Miles, it wasn't a mistake but rather something that happened, a necessary event. Since this was a necessary event, he needed to follow up with something fit based on this, wrong, but necessary note. This story perfectly aligns with the famous Davis quote: "Do not fear mistakes, there are none".
Beyond Hancock, Davis's collaborations read like a who's who of jazz: John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans, and Chick Corea, among others. These musicians, under Davis's guidance, found new heights of creativity. His leadership wasn't just about direction but empowering each artist to explore and contribute uniquely. This environment fostered groundbreaking music and propelled the careers of these legends.
"Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis isn't just an album; it's a milestone in the landscape of jazz, heralded as one of the most iconic albums ever created in the genre. Its timeless appeal makes it a perfect introduction for those new to jazz, enchanting listeners with its innovative harmonies and seductive rhythms. Esteemed by critics and fans alike, it has been lauded by publications such as Jazzwise as the greatest jazz album of all time, a testament to its unparalleled influence and artistry. Ironically, despite its monumental success and acclaim, "Kind of Blue" never clinched a Grammy award, a curious footnote in its storied legacy.
At the time of its release in 1959, Miles Davis was already a luminary in the jazz world, known for his relentless pursuit of new sounds and his ability to transform the musical landscape. "Kind of Blue" marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he ventured into modal jazz, stepping away from the complex chord progressions that characterized jazz until then. This innovative approach not only challenged the norms but also opened up new avenues for musical exploration, cementing Davis's status as a revolutionary artist.
The critical reception to "Kind of Blue" at the time was overwhelmingly positive, with critics and musicians alike marveling at its simplicity and depth. The album's immediate impact was profound, reshaping jazz and influencing generations of musicians across various genres. Its legacy endures, not just as a masterpiece of jazz but as a seminal work that continues to inspire and captivate listeners around the world. In capturing the essence of jazz at its most sublime, "Kind of Blue" remains a monumental achievement in the history of music, embodying Miles Davis's genius and his unwavering commitment to innovation.
Stanley Turrentine was a legendary tenor saxophonist who was greatly admired by Joe Sample. Whenever Joe visited or worked in New York City, he would always run into Stanley at The Mayflower hotel, which unfortunately no longer exists. The hotel was located in 15 Central Park-West. During their meetings, the two musicians would have lunch and discuss music.
Joe cherished this time and felt honoured to receive advice, music lessons, and develop a friendship with his hero. Stanley helped develop his love for the tenor saxophone, which can be heard in Clifton's Gold, where the talented Charles Lloyd performed the tenor saxophone.
The popular Crusaders song, "Put It Where You Want It," was coined from a phrase commonly used by legendary comedian Redd Foxx. Redd was a favorite of Joe, and both were mutual friends who frequented the popular club, the Baked Potato, in Studio City. Redd's eloquent character would greet a beautiful woman with a respectful hello, kiss the palm of his hand, shake the woman's hand, and say, "Put It Where You Want It."
Perhaps this phrase may come off as offensive to some people today. However, in the 1970s, comedic personalities like Redd were popular because of their candid and jovial remarks. To extend the phrase, you can take this modern conclusion and "Put It Where You Want It."
The age old question new fans always ask about Miles is, what made his sound so iconic? Was it his tone, timing, mood or instrument?While the answer is all four of those, the most notable of the four is the distinct Miles Davis tone. Miles's tone is so distinct, with most songs you can tell it is a Miles Davis record from the first note. His tone was dark, but also smooth, using no vibrato. He also popularised the use of the harmon mute, something that further added to his distinct tone. His recording of Bye Bye Black Bird, perfectly highlights this tone.
In the early 1960s, Joe was touring with the Beach Boys as their keyboard player. At that time, Paris, France was at war with Algeria due to the oppression of Algerians, which was no longer being tolerated. As a result, intolerance towards Algerians in France grew. One day while Joe was enjoying his day off, walking around and taking in the beauty of Paris, he was shocked when fruit and vegetables were thrown at his face simply because of his olive creole skin, which looked Algerian to some. He was completely unaware of what was happening until he returned to his hotel and read the newspaper.
From then on, Joe had to enjoy the beauty of Paris from the view of his hotel room. In the end, he wished for peace, love, and light, reminding everyone that we are all from the same place called Earth.
The 1971 electric performances by Miles Davis sparked a deep appreciation among fans for his bold sound and innovation. Fans have taken to the internet to share their admiration and insights, with comments painting a vivid picture of the impact Davis had on music and on them personally. One fan remarked, "So raw, demented, urgently honest. This is more punk, than any punk rock has ever been!" capturing the raw emotion and groundbreaking nature of Davis's performance. Another noted the emotional and creative toll such innovation takes, saying, "He was moving into a very wild and intense place in his creative mind at the time. You have to live it to play it. No wonder he needed a break in the latter half of the 70’s. It’s exhausting to be a musical genius."
The consensus among fans, especially regarding the Fall ‘71 Tour of Europe, is neatly summed up in the proclamation, "This Fall ‘71 Tour of Europe is Electric Miles at his best!"
These comments collectively highlight not just the technical excellence of Davis's electric period but also the emotional depth and cultural shift it represented. These comments illustrate a shared experience that transcends time, underscoring the enduring legacy of Miles Davis as a pioneer who not only challenged the conventions of jazz but also inspired a legion of fans and musicians alike to embrace the beauty of innovation and the power of genuine expression.
Where artists and fans come together.
Joes Lounge is a tight knit community of super fans who are able to share personal stories, videos and pictures celebrating the legacy of Joe.
Why join?
- Interact with Nick Sample and key members close to Joe,
- Be the first to know about new content releases and tracks,
- Gain access to exclusive audio content never released to the public,
- Share in a community of like minded Jazz, Funk and blues fans,
- Participate in challenges and events exclusive to members of Joes Lounge.
