Miles Davis

Porgy and Bess

The History of the Albums - n° 103

Porgy and Bess pt.2 // Miles Bonus

[I invite you to read the first part with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's review, as well as my previous reviews on Miles Davis, you'll find the list below, to better understand it]
To sum up, Porgy and Bess is basically a book first adapted to opera by George Gershwin, then taken up by many musicians of all kinds, before reaching the world of jazz from the second half of the 1950s. At the present time, there are ... read more

I often see Porgy And Bess being called one of Miles Davis' main greats. It's often called the best of his collaborations with Gil Evans, and I've even seen some argue that it's his first ever masterpiece (which, considering the fact that he released about six albums that are all seen as classics in their own right which all preceded this album, is a plain lie). And, well, I certainly won't argue against any of those people, but this album just isn't as impressive to me as I was hoping.

I ... read more

The second time that Miles worked with a big band (this record, the first one being Miles Ahead) is what I consider one of his biggest achievements. This album sounds so cinematographic (which makes a lot of sense, considering that he worked on an OST for a french noir movie short before this), so big and beautiful at the same time.
Although Big Bands are not the type of jazz that I usually listen to the most (I'm more the hard bop, avant-garde and free improvisation type), I've heard some Duke ... read more

“Porgy & Bess” Is Easily The First Miles Davis Masterpiece!

The Record Is Easily The Most Gargantuan! The Orchestra Somehow Manages To Beat Out The One Featured On “Miles Ahead” (Which Is A Fantastic Record). Miles’ Solos Are Also At An All Time Best!
He Brings So Much Personality & Almost A Bit Of Swagger To His Pieces.

Miles Davis Truly Brings “Porgy & Bess” To Life On This Project Unlike Anyone I’ve Ever Heard!