Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates the music of Miles Davis with concerts on May 11 and 12. “The Many Moods of Miles Davis” boasts two separate offerings, one on each evening, covering four different periods in the legendary musician’s career. On the first night, trumpeters Ryan Kisor (Lincoln Center Orchestra) and Terrence Blanchard will appear with their respective quintets. The following evening will feature trumpeter Nicholas Payton along with bassist-producer Marcus Miller, who played with Miles from 1968-1991.
Kisor, joined by Sherman Irby (alto), Peter Zak (piano), John Webber (bass) and Willie Jones III (drums), will perform selections from Davis’ bebop and cool periods. Blanchard will approach material culled from the original incarnation of the Miles Davis Quintet (which was comprised of John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones).
On the next night, Payton will pay homage to Kind of Blue-era Miles and beyond. The finale, led by Miller, emulates Miles’ electric sound. Miller stated in a Lincoln Center press release that he plans to outline some of the sonic changes Miles made during the ’70s and ’80s.
“During the time I spent working with him I was constantly impressed by how he embraced change,” said Miller. “What makes Miles so impressive is how he managed to change his sound, not once but numerous times. And, with each change, he creates a completely new set of followers (musicians and listeners) completely devoted to the new sound.”
For full performance and ticket information, visit the Jazz at Lincoln Center webpage.
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