MUSIC DOCUMENTARY #17 Miles Davis - Birth of the Cool [2019] MP4

MUSIC DOCUMENTARY #17

Miles Davis - Birth of the Cool [2019] MP4

It captures many aspects off Miles Davis's life, both professional and personal.It is based on Davis's own words voiced over by an actor who does a good job of conveying Davis's unique voice. It offers a few things that I didn't know, but which others may be familiar with, such as his wealthy background, or being beaten by the New York police while having a cigarette break during a gig ("You expect that kind of thing in East St Louis but not New York" adds his voiceover!).  It is notable for the interviews of his family and fellow musicians, who make up a "who's who" of the progressive jazz and jazz fusion scene of the late 1960s and early to mid 1970s, a genre of which I was very much a contemporary fan. Alongside Davis's own words, the contributors paint a picture of a musical genius, a complex and troubled man but one who clearly inspired huge affection despite his weaknesses for drugs and his at times unmanageable temper. The interviews with the musicologists and historians add academic and historical context, but are not central to the films appeal, at least for me, which lies in the genius of the man and his capacity to develop, change and challenge us with his art. In this is he jazz's answer to David Bowie?. If there is a shortcoming I would say that unless one has some existing knowledge of the music the edited clips offer only a snippet of its depth and originality. In all a very watchable and interesting film that keeps ones attention for the duration, but which could present more of the music itself. In that sense it may work better for existing fans of Miles Davis but others here say it has alerted them to his music and they want more. So in all, its a great success. (Amazon)

Musically superb. Historically it is a true insight into not only Miles Davis, but also the real history of Jazz. Totally amazing.

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