During their nationally televised halftime show, the USC Trojan Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Arthur C. Barber, honored Miles Davis with the theme “A Tribute to Trumpet.” The Marching Band also performed selections from Miles Ahead, including “New Rhumba.”
In what would have been the year Miles celebrated his 80th birthday, there have been no shortages of homages to the jazz icon, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. Concord Records released a definitive 4-CD box set, Sony Legacy issued Cool & Collected, featuring 13 classic tunes recorded between 1956 and 1984, a remix project featuring Santana and Nas is planned for release next year, MTVU is airing a segment based on the trumpeter’s cultural significance, and award-winning actor Don Cheadle will portray Davis in a biopic. And don’t forget the dirt-slinging book Dark Magus, written by Miles’ son Gregory.
The USC Trojan Marching Band’s claim to fame is their stature as the only college band in the United States with a platinum record (for their interpretation of Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk). Perhaps they’ll make an attempt at Coltrane’s Ascension next?
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