by Ken Laster
Miles Davis is undoubtably one of the most influential artists in the history of the jazz idiom. He is also among the most revered, respected as well as criticized and controversial players in jazz. So, when any new media is released regarding the life and music of Miles, it is always met with great anticipation.
After Don Cheadle’s Miles Ahead (2015) fictionalized film failed to capture the totality of Miles’ career, many of us looked forward to a release of a true biography that chronicled the life, music and artistry of Miles. Filmmaker, Stanley Nelson has done exactly that with the release of Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool.
What we have here is authentic Miles and his ever-changing artistry. Any true jazz fan will be thrilled to see and hear all of this footage carefully crafted in the sequence of his life. It tells a story of an innovator, constantly re-inventing himself and his art form. From his teen years growing up in St. Louis to his introduction to bebop with Bird and Dizzy, to the Birth of Cool, his two phenomenal quintets (each one stylistically ground-breaking), to the controversial rock-influenced electric years.
If there can be any criticism of this movie, it is in its straight forward, rather dry recounting of Miles’ life and music as told by family, friends and musicians. There is no dramatization, editorializing or judgement about the man and his music. Though the film-making may lack a dramatic flair, that is more than made up by the images and the music itself. The joy of hearing and seeing Miles play with such authenticity, sensuality and originality on the big screen with a theatrical sound system left me breathless.
Miles not only re-invented himself several times over, but changed the language of jazz music. What became clear to me through this film, is that Miles was more than a great musician and creative force in jazz, MILES IS JAZZ.
Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool is showing at Trinity’s Cinestudio beginning Sunday, September 22 and through September 25.
Update: Miles Davis: Birth of Cool is now part of the PBS American Masters series and can be viewed on-line through March 30, 2020.
I appreciate your review. Until I read it, I had believed the film explored the makings of the recording Birth of the Cool. I count myself among the fans of MD old enough to have caught him perform in the quintet setting with Shorter, Hancock, Carter, and Tony Williams.
Thank you, Ken. I was totally engaged thruout this 2019 doc. Especially seeing/hearing the early sessions. The road to Miles w Hendrix to Prince, True visionary spirit. Loved Billy Cobb! Jimmy Heath. Wallace Rooney and more.
Cinestudio is the place to see Miles on screen.