The Music of Miles

An evening of music celebrating the first great Miles Davis quintet, focussing on their Prestige recordings

Miles Davis is one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz with a career spanning decades. This evening we focus on one six month period in 1956, featuring what would become known as the ‘First Great Quintet’.

Miles took the band into Rudy Van Gelder’s studio to record four albums as quickly as possible, trying to fulfil obligations from a recording contract signed while still addicted to heroin. The band approached the sessions as if they were playing a nightclub set, and the results remain some of the most influential small group hard bop recordings.

We play a selection of tunes from these dates, that surfaced on the now classic albums Cookin’, Workin’ , Relaxin’ and Steamin’.

Following on from the band’s previous sell out shows at the Vortex featuring all Wayne Shorter and Thelonious Monk repertoire , we return to present a celebration of another of the all time jazz greats. Expect some well known favourites and a few less commonly played tunes as we spend an evening with one of the iconic composers of the 20th century.

David Miller – Saxophone
Eric Lounsbury – Trumpet
Michael Richardson – Piano
Duncan McKenzie – Bass
Bobby James – Drums