Miles Davis, Gil Evans - Sketches of Spain

Miles Davis's impact on jazz is almost incalculable. From his early days as a sideman for Charlie Parker, through his groundbreaking Birth of the Cool sessions, to his stunning small groups of the '50s and '60s, through to his electric renaissance, the trumpeter, bandleader, and composer has left a deep mark on all who came after. He is one of jazz's true giants. Sketches of Spain, though one of Davis's most commercially successful sessions, is also one of his most controversial. Re-teaming with arranger and composer Gil Evans, who played such a pivotal role in Davis's 1949 Birth of the Cool recordings, Davis recorded a series of large group albums beginning in the late '50s, including Porgy and Bess, Miles Ahead, and Quiet Nights. Sketches of Spain, with its emphasis on flamenco, rich orchestrations, and relaxed tempos, is certainly one of Davis's most mellow recordings (he even works out on fluegelhorn), and proved to have broad appeal. To some critics, however, the project was "elevated elevator music." An expanded version of the album, featuring alternative tracks and unreleased material, was issued in 1997 by Columbia Legacy. --Fred Goodman Amazon.com essential recording

Nice Spanish Vibing Jazz (Rating: 8 out of 10- -4.0 stars)

Miles Davis' 1960 album Sketches Of Spain shows a wide variety of Jazz with a few Spanish sounding instruments, which highly explains the reason for the album's title. The horns on the album are so deep and the Spanish bells throughout the background helps elevate the sound. The tracks that I enjoyed the most are "Concierto de Aranjuez (Adagio)" and "Solea", both songs clocking in over 10 minutes. It's great because both songs are built up to their climax deep in the track. It's a great jazz album for those who are interested in the genre, but it falls short of what most consider his best album Kind of Blue (which many, as well as myself hold high regards to). Still a wonderful album, conducted by Gill Evans (you can hear him talking in the background at the end of a few songs), that is a definite for any musical collection. Peace. November 11, 2008

When I was a young man....

....I bought this album. I had The Man with the Horn (my first Miles album), We Want Miles (2nd one), and Bitches Brew. This was the fourth one (and the last one I would buy on vinyl). I had them in high school, and while I played the others, I hardly ever played this one (now, I never play The Man with the Horn, as it's pretty bad, and I hardly play We Want Miles. I still dig Brew, though). I didn't like it at all, even though several of the tracks are epic length. A year ago or so, I bought the CD, and thanks to better ears and maturity, it has occurred to me that this is one of Miles's greatest albums, and quite possibly his most beautiful, and certainly his best colloboration with Gil Evans. The opening track, Concierto de Aranjuez (adagio), has to be Miles's most majestic song ever, or at least one of his most majestic songs ever. His playing is so subtle and moving. My other favorite is the original album's closer, Solea. It's another moving, subtle song (written by Gil Evans). The whole album is really an orchestral album, which is just fine, as it's so well done and a deserved classic.

Miles's colloboration with Gil Evans was one of the most productive in music history, and this is the greatest example of two great artists creating timeless art and music. I'm glad time has made me appreciate the greatness of this album, and it has taken its rightful place as one of my favorite Miles's albums.

October 29, 2008

Spanish Classical By A Jazz Giant

Miles Davis was one of the coolest men of our time. This was Davis' third collaboration with Gil Evans and was recorded towards the end of 1959, and this music is both original and remarkably conspicuous. "Concierto de Aranjuez" is the centrepiece around which the whole album was created, and it sucks you in right from the start. This version also includes a bonus track called "Song for Our Country" and another two-track run-through of "Concierto", which blends jazz and classical in such a way that it reaches surrealistic heights of near musical perfection. I've never been to Spain, but this incredibly rich music has me considering planning my next vacation there. September 26, 2008

One Star? Are you kidding me?

This CD rocks! It is the reason Miles Davis was one of the greatest. His breadth is simply amazing. The slow melodic tones will have you gently rocking subconsciously. My favorites were Solea and Concierto. Then the other two tracks gently grow on you. This is a five-star composition all the way. September 5, 2008

It is rare

It is rare that I buy a cd. I usually steal them off the internet. But Miles davis is the exception. I will ALWAYS buy his music due to the quality of talent. I love this cd so much. Track 1 is my favorite track of the entire cd. I am so lucky to have been able to get this cd. August 28, 2008

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