MILES DAVIS — Sketches of Spain (review)

MILES DAVIS — Sketches of Spain album cover Album · 1960 · Third Stream Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Amilisom
Over the years Miles Davis had worked together with arranger Gil Evans who wrote big band arrangements that feature Miles Davis at the forefront of the mix. This album is possibly one of the best collaborations between Miles Davis and Gil Evans.

The music in this album is terribly unique. Not only does Miles have the sad, cool mood expressed in "Kind of Blue" in this album, but all of the arrangements are written in the Spanish style. The combination of the two really makes a great sound. On the contrary, those who will be expecting swing of any kind may be disappointed at the lack of traditional jazz influences. Despite this, improvisation is very much evident.

The album's strongest point is the arrangement of the adagio movement of Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, despite the fact that the original version of the concierto featured the guitar. Ironically enough, Joaquin Rodrigo wasn't necessarily impressed with the arrangement.

A must-have for all Miles Davis fans.

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dreadpirateroberts wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I agree, a must have for fans who want to see more his range and discipline in terms of phrasing - and also, to see him work so well in Gil's setting.

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