Miles Davis on 60 Minutes
Posted on November 16th, 2008 by ecthompson
This is an interview with Harry Reasoner and Miles Davis. Many of the great musicians have trouble communicating with mere words. Miles Davis might be one those people. I don’t think he does that badly, really. He communicates more awe-inspringly through his music, of course, but I consider this a nice interview.
Possessing extreme intelligence, prodigious talent, and a restive mind bent on exploring and defining the boundaries of personal expression, Miles was one of a handful of players who cast a shadow so vast across the musical landscape, that it is difficult to have a discussion about contemporary music without including his name. And,like tenor saxman John Coltrane, it is virtually impossible to find any serious trumpet player (let alone musician period) who has not been influenced by Miles, whether they are aware of it or not.
I hope visitors to your site who are unfamiliar with Miles will have their curiosity piqued enough to check him out. One caveat: the range of styles over his career is so varied one might want to seek advice from someone familiar with his discography lest he/she become alienated on a first listening. The iconic recording “Kind of Blue” is a good place to start. This is not meant to be “audio wallpaper” (ala Muzak) but rather music that deeply rewards the attentive listner. Thanks, Matt
I like the clip. I also like the fact that Miles didn’t think that he needed to give Harry glib cliches.
I don’t think that Miles ever played to the audience (in a condescending way). I saw him in concert. He playd with his back to the audience the entire time. Excellent performance.
How about a video of So What?
Miles was one of a kind. I wish I saw him before he passed. I saw Buddy Rich. I saw Count Basie several times but never Miles.