No, I haven’t seen the movie yet. Has any jazz film ever cashed in on its promise? OK, maybe the Dexter Gordon one, but it’s been pretty dry going back to Steve Allen portraying Benny Goodman. This time, the film focuses on one period of Miles Davis’ life, and it’s not the one most jazz fans are too interested in. Still, the soundtrack here includes music form just about every period of the Prince of Darkness, along with some original material that is actually quite commendable.
So, you get original classics like “ Miles Ahead,” “So What,” “Seven Steps To Heaven,” “Nefertiti” and “Solea” from his most famous period. How can anyone improve on this? You can’t, and neither could Miles. Early 70s material such as “Black Satin” and “Go Ahead John” are from his plugged in period, and even his his final period with “Back Seat Betty” is represented. Some foul-mouthed excerpts from Don Ceadle impersonating Miles’ quotes are put in between the songs which detracts more than adds.
What is a nice addition is the material brought up by Robert Glasper. “Junior’s Jam” with Keyon Harrold/tp, Kendrick Scott/dr and Marcus Strickland/ts is impressive , as is Harrold’s clean horn on”Gone” and “Francessence.” Herbie Hancock shows up for a pair of keyboards with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding for an all star delivery of Glasper’s “What’s Wrong With That?” The new material should make Glasper go on the road with it; it’s that good!
Sony Music