Qwest TV - Miles Davis - The Cool Jazz Sound

First, you hear the sweet sound of Miles Davis' trumpet before you even see him on screen, then the orchestra kicks in, and the magic just unfolds. You really should check out this 26-minute classic recording from April 2, 1959. It was part of a TV program created by producer Robert Herridge. Originally titled "The Sound Of Miles Davis," it aired on July 21, 1960, and it's a true masterpiece, marking one of the most amazing moments in jazz—when Miles Davis teamed up with Gil Evans. The show starts with "So What," which was originally recorded a month earlier for the "Kind Of Blue" album with Bill Evans on piano. But for this TV special, Wynton Kelly plays piano, and Gil Evans' orchestra is featured. Miles Davis delivers two solos, stepping in for the sick Cannonball Adderley's spot. John Coltrane's solo is so incredible that it seems to captivate Miles, who's listening carefully offstage. In the next three pieces, the quintet gives way to the beautiful interaction between Miles and the orchestra. Coltrane, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb smoothly blend into the orchestra. These tunes, including "The Duke," "Blues For Pablo," and "New Rhumba," were originally part of the 1957 album "Miles Ahead," and even in this live setting, they still pack a punch emotionally. After experiencing it, you'll feel a strong urge to dive back into the program and enjoy it all over again.