During his whole creative career, there was only one time that Miles Dewey Davis looked back in musical retrospect, and it was during this concert in 1991. Put together to give tribute to his dear friend and collaborator Gil Evans, this concert features an orchestra conducted by Quincy Jones and, along with Davis himself, includes Kenny Garrett on alto and Wallace Roney on the anchor leg trumpet. The dozen songs focus on music from the three classic Evans-Davis sessions from the days when jazz was the most popular music around.
It seems quite peculiar to actually watch the late period Davis performing material that is subdued, swinging and lithe. Gone are all of the funk and electronics; in their stead are some lovely (dated or timeless?) charts like “Boplicity,” “My Ship” and Iberian classics like “The Pan Piper” and “Maids of Cadiz.” It’s quite a sight to see Davis actually sight reading, yet his Harmon muted horn sounds quite impressive most of the time. Roney is there to back him up when needed, as on “Blues For Pablo.” Garrett is uncharacteristically subdued, with a vintage Lee Konitz lightness on “The Duke.” Gone is Davis’ swagger here-the focus on the music of a dearly departed friend, and the end of an era.
Eagle Vision
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