Miles Davis (1926-91): Jazz Pioneer
F06
Bruce Williamson
This course will study the 40-year career of legendary jazz trumpeter and innovative band leader Miles Davis. We will examine his beginnings in the bebop movement as a sideman with Charlie Parker, his two famous quintets (one with John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley, the other with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock), his collaborations with arranger Gil Evans, and his “fusion” recordings (jazz with rock, funk, and world music) of the 70s and 80s (from the Bitches Brew recording to bands with guitarists Mike Stern and John Scofield). We will study how his playing style and ever-changing conceptual vision of jazz influenced countless musicians to follow. There will be listening, reading, and writing assignments pertaining to the various musical eras and their social context in American culture.