723 Miles Davis - Sketches of Spain (1960)

 723 Miles Davis - Sketches of Spain (1960)

Studio Album - Orchestral Jazz


About the Act:

Miles Davis was one of the best-known and most influential jazz trumpeters the world has ever known. He is credited with being at the forefront of several types of jazz, modal jazz in the late 50s early 60s, and Jazz-Rock fusion in the late 60s early 70s are the most prominent. He was active from 1944 until his death in 1991 with a short hiatus between 1975 and 1980. I think he made 56 studio albums. 

About the Album: 

This album contains interpretations of some Spanish Classical music, particularly Concerto Des Aranguez by Rodrigo, but also some da Falla.

My History with this Album:

None

Review:

Well, it's a somewhat unusual album, and may have been considered more so at it's release. Miles Davis has taken Spanish Classical music and re-interpreted it in a not-quite-jazz style. This is mostly played on brass, with some backing and occasional shaky percussion. It's played in a very muted kind of way, which makes it quite sensual and evocative. I would say that my enjoyment of it was enhanced by knowing the pieces of music, or most of them, and the interpretations are interesting, without breaking the feel of the pieces. This seems to be a quite serious attempt to bring some of this music to a wider audience. Apparently at the time it was not hugely popular, but the main piece, Concerto Des Aranguez, is now a mega-popular classical piece.

It sounds mysterious, and almost Arabian at times, but that basically harks to the Moorish influence in Spain. It sounds hot and deserty, you can almost imagine it being played in a Souk in Marrakesh, while the sun bakes the red sand outside. I don't actually know if they have Souks in Marrakesh, or red sand. I think they have their share of baking sun, though. It's kind of mellow and subdued, but not in a mellow and relaxed way, more mellow and mysterious, and maybe just a tiny bit menacing.

I liked it. I don't think it is his best album, but it is far from his worst. At a distance of 60 years I would now say it is pretty accessible, a nice instrumental album, possibly a good one to do a jigsaw to.

7/10


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2xyhltm9XWSQ5xok4C81BD

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSS5p9BdNGU

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sketches_of_Spain



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