The Miles Davis Quintet of 1965 to 1968, playing “Agitation” below, is arguably the greatest modern jazz group ever assembled. Saxophonist Wayne Shorter at his composing and playing peak, Herbie Hancock never played better on acoustic piano than with Miles, … Continue reading
From their first work together on the Birth of the Cool sessions in 1949, Miles Davis and Gil Evans forged a unique relationship as great soloist and brilliant arranger. The real opportunity to explore their shared vision didn’t come until … Continue reading
The world according to John Coltrane is a place we all wish to live. He lived, influenced innumerable musicians, and remains one of the most significant saxophonists in music history. The world according to John Coltrane. Coltrane’s spiritual journey was … Continue reading
The Godfather of Soul. James Brown was born to lose. He refused to accept that fate. By the time he was in his 30s, James Brown was more than a dominant musical voice: he was an outstanding African-American personality, period. … Continue reading
Marion “Little Walter” Jacobs was born on May 1, 1930, in Marksville, Louisiana. He left home at 12, eventually landing in Chicago in 1947. By 1949, he began recording with Muddy Waters. The first person to play an amplified harmonica in 1951, he split from the … Continue reading