Miles Davis; Even Cooler than Wine
If wine, as a cultural cool standard, is ever officially trumped with something exponentially cooler, it could only happen from Miles Davis.
Miles Davis was one of the most influential, if not the most influential jazz musician of his time. His trumpeting style prompted a plethora of imitators and throughout his life he stayed on the razor blade edge of jazz. Miles was part of the jazz evolution as it transformed from cool jazz to bop. His modal compositions on albums like Milestones and Kind of Blue lifted the music to new heights. He experimented with funk on On the Corner and fusion was partially born from the innovative Bitches’ Brew. Some of the best jazz musicians of the time served in his groups, among them John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Julian “Cannonball” Adderly, Philly Joe Jones, Paul Chambers, Wayne Shorter, Elvin Jones, Art Taylor, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin and many, many others.
In so many ways, Davis was one of the first African-American superstars. He was often arrogant and dismissive towards fans, and with few exceptions, didn’t really care for white jazz musicians. Like many jazz musicians, he suffered from a heroin addiction, but was able to get clean. His influence and legacy remain one of the lasting forces in jazz, Kind of Blue perhaps being the best known jazz album of all time.
While we would love to know if Miles Davis enjoyed wine and even more what kind of wine, we can only know for certain that wine lovers, almost without exception, dig Miles Davis. In fact, Miles Davis just might be wine’s quintessential accompanying drink.
The wine/jazz lifestyle has its own magazine to chronicle the vibe. Wine and Jazz is a publication that is seen bi-monthly and regularly features well written stories on jazz musicians, albums and of course, wine.
Their forthcoming March issue is preparing a feature story on Miles Davis and his seminal album Kind of Blue. The advance press release for the issue reads “Cited as the legendary trumpeter’s best-selling album and as the best-selling jazz record of all time, the seminal recording has long been regarded as the pinnacle of “modal jazz” which draws listeners in with its relaxed feel, gently shifting moods and classic soloing by Davis and his legendary cohorts John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb.”
Wine and Jazz takes its readers and subject matter seriously. It’s actually a pretty dynamic and unique concept in the realm of lifestyle publications. Wine and Jazz® explores these two fascinating worlds and the complex connections between them that combine to create one of life’s truly transcendent and pleasurable experiences. In each issue, WAJ’s regularly feature articles and columns that showcase news and trends in wine and contemporary jazz from the perspectives of the insiders (the vintners, the artists), the fans and well known writers who bring to the mix their passion and expertise in each arena.
21 Feb 2010, 5:45 am
For some time now I have been meaning to write a piece on why Jazz and wine go together so well, but I can never get just the right handle on it. To be honest, the music snob in me wants to point to a more obscure artist and say, “Oh no, so-and-so is so much more enjoyable with wine than Miles!” The truth is, for me, his work is the perfect companion for a big glass of something powerful and red. Turn the lights down a little, contemplate the notes in the air, the notes in the glass…for some reason, neither ever gets in the way of the other…what could be better?
21 Feb 2010, 7:48 am
It's so true and well stated Joe. Miles Davis is pure contemplation and adding “a big glass of something powerful and red” really seems to take it to another level. Put some Miles on tonight and make sure your glass is suitably large and write that piece. Can't wait to read it.
21 Feb 2010, 12:45 pm
For some time now I have been meaning to write a piece on why Jazz and wine go together so well, but I can never get just the right handle on it. To be honest, the music snob in me wants to point to a more obscure artist and say, “Oh no, so-and-so is so much more enjoyable with wine than Miles!” The truth is, for me, his work is the perfect companion for a big glass of something powerful and red. Turn the lights down a little, contemplate the notes in the air, the notes in the glass…for some reason, neither ever gets in the way of the other…what could be better?
21 Feb 2010, 2:48 pm
It's so true and well stated Joe. Miles Davis is pure contemplation and adding “a big glass of something powerful and red” really seems to take it to another level. Put some Miles on tonight and make sure your glass is suitably large and write that piece. Can't wait to read it.