Miles Davis: The Path to Kind of Blue

Summary

The Historical Context and Significance of Kind of Blue

The 98th Anniversary of Miles Davis’s Birth

In 2023, the jazz world commemorated what would have been Miles Davis’s 98th birthday, reflecting on his vast contribution to music. Kind of Blue is often regarded as the gateway album to jazz for many listeners worldwide, blending blues, improvisation, and modal jazz innovation. Discover our free jazz lessons !

Why Kind of Blue?

This album is the bestselling jazz record from the classic modern jazz era of the 1950s and 60s. It consistently appears on critics’ top album lists and is a staple entry point for new jazz enthusiasts. More importantly, Kind of Blue marked a turning point in Davis’s career, showcasing his shift away from bebop’s frenetic style toward a more open, modal form of jazz that emphasized mood, space, and emotional depth.

The Evolution of Miles Davis’s Sound

Early Years and Influences

Miles Davis’s journey began in East St. Louis, where he played in his high school band under the mentorship of Elwood Buchanan. Buchanan’s advice to “get rid of the vibrato” influenced Davis’s clean, clear trumpet sound, which became a hallmark of his style.

The Move to New York and Bebop

At 18, Davis moved to New York City, initially enrolling at the Juilliard School of Music but immersing himself in the vibrant bebop scene instead. Here, he learned from legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Over a decade, Davis honed his craft, developing a distinctive style that balanced technical mastery with emotional nuance.

The Quest for a Unique Sound: Trumpet vs. Cornet

Davis admired the warmer, more rounded tone of the cornet, favoring its sound despite primarily playing trumpet. He also experimented briefly with the flugelhorn, adding depth and texture to his tonal palette. These explorations reflected his meticulous attention to sound and tone color, which were critical to his musical identity.

Comparing Early and Later Trumpet Performances

Listening to recordings from 1944 and 1959 reveals Davis’s growth from a tentative player into a confident bandleader. His phrasing became more deliberate and expressive, demonstrating a mastery of space and timing. This evolution culminated in the fluid, conversational style heard on Kind of Blue.

The Motivation

Moving Away from Bebop

By the late 1950s, Davis felt that bebop had become “crowded” and formulaic. The intense, fast-paced style was losing its freshness, prompting Davis to seek new musical directions that allowed more freedom and emotional expression.

The Influence of Modal Jazz

Modal jazz, which uses scales or “modes” as a basis for improvisation rather than complex chord changes, offered a fresh framework. Davis, along with collaborators like pianist Bill Evans and arranger Gil Evans, explored this approach to create more spacious, contemplative music.

The Paris Connection and Film Soundtrack

A key turning point came with Davis’s soundtrack for Louis Malle’s film Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (1958) in Paris. This project allowed Davis to experiment with modal improvisation in a cinematic context, laying the groundwork for Kind of Blue. The soundtrack’s repetitive, hypnotic motifs mirrored the film’s tense atmosphere and showcased Davis’s modal exploration.

The Role of France in Davis’s Life

France held special significance for Davis, representing a place where he was respected as an artist beyond racial and musical boundaries. His relationship with singer Juliette Gréco and the Parisian jazz scene provided a supportive environment for his creative growth.

The Innovative Approach

The Legendary Kind of Blue Band

Davis assembled an all-star ensemble featuring John Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Cannonball Adderley (alto saxophone), Bill Evans (piano), Wynton Kelly (piano on one track), Paul Chambers (bass), and Jimmy Cobb (drums). Each member brought a unique voice and style, enriching the album’s texture.

Recording at Columbia’s 30th Street Studio

The album was recorded at Columbia Records’ 30th Street Studio in New York City, a converted church known for its exceptional acoustics. The natural reverberation of the space contributed to the album’s warm, intimate sound.

The Modal Composition and Improvisation

Kind of Blue is structured around modal scales rather than traditional chord progressions. This approach gave the musicians greater freedom to explore melody and mood. Bill Evans’s influence was critical here, with his sensitive voicings and modal sensibilities helping shape the album’s sound.

The Challenge of New Material

Davis and Evans collaborated closely on the album’s compositions, creating pieces like “Flamenco Sketches,” “Blue in Green,” and “Freddie Freeloader”. These tunes often featured unusual structures and modal frameworks, demanding creative improvisation from the band.

Notable Musical Characteristics

• “Flamenco Sketches” is particularly modal, with no fixed melody and a focus on scales and moods.
• “Blue in Green” features an unusual 10-bar cycle, creating a hypnotic, circular feel.
• “Freddie Freeloader” borrows melodic elements from earlier jazz and blues but infuses them with Davis’s signature phrasing.

The Influence and Controversy Over Compositions

Some tunes on Kind of Blue drew inspiration or borrowed from earlier works by other musicians, a common practice in jazz. Discussions around credit, particularly regarding Bill Evans’s contributions, reflect the complexities of collaboration and attribution in jazz history.

The Lasting Legacy

A Doorway Into Jazz

Kind of Blue remains the essential entry point for many into jazz music, appealing to listeners across generations and cultures. Its influence extends beyond jazz into popular music, film, and education.

The Evolution of Miles Davis’s Bands

Davis’s ability to discover and nurture young talent characterized his career. His bands continually evolved, incorporating fresh ideas and reflecting his restless creativity.

The Artistic Philosophy of Miles Davis

In interviews, Davis emphasized his identity as an artist beyond just a musician. His dedication to innovation and self-expression defined his legacy. He famously stated, “I wouldn’t want to be here if I couldn’t create,” underscoring his commitment to artistic growth.

Conclusion

Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue is more than an album; it is a milestone in the evolution of jazz music and creative expression. Its journey from Davis’s early sound development, through his motivation to innovate, to the album’s groundbreaking approach, reveals a story of dedication, experimentation, and artistry.

For those eager to explore further, the path to Kind of Blue offers a rich tapestry of musical insight and inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, this album opens the door to a profound world of sound and emotion.

Recommended Reading and Resources

• Ashley Kahn, Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece
• Documentaries on the Columbia 30th Street Studio and jazz history
• Listening to Ascenseur pour l’échafaud soundtrack for modal jazz context
• Exploring individual band members’ discographies, including John Coltrane and Bill Evans

FAQ

Q: Why is Kind of Blue considered a turning point in jazz?
A: It marked a move from complex bebop harmonies to modal jazz, emphasizing mood, space, and melody, influencing countless musicians.

Q: Who were the key collaborators on Kind of Blue?
A: John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb.

Q: What is modal jazz?
A: A style of jazz using musical modes rather than chord progressions as the basis for composition and improvisation.

Q: How did Miles Davis develop his distinctive trumpet sound?
A: Through years of study, mentorship, and experimentation with trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn, focusing on clarity and emotional expression.