5 stars out of 5
When I was learning about music in the ’80s, Miles Davis was a presence, albeit an odd one. He seemed grumpy, Prince dug him, and Miles faced away from the audience. (Well, if that was good enough for the Jesus & Mary Chain….) I slowly realized what an important figure he was, and over time picked up a handful of Davis’s records: Best of the Capitol/Blue Note Years, Birth of the Cool, Kind of Blue, and Best of the Quintet 1965–68.
I had plenty more to discover, and this documentary was the perfect opportunity. That it was also an utter delight to watch was a great bonus.
I think the stereotypical jazz-legend timeline is: grow up poor, go to New York, make a few brilliant records, and die young of an overdose. Miles Davis danced around those parameters. His family was well-to-do. (How he ended up playing trumpet is a wonderful anecdote that I won’t spoil.) He did go to Manhattan — 52nd Street was the place to go! — did make a classic album, and did fall prey to drugs. But it didn’t kill him! Miles’ story was just beginning.
It took me a little while to adjust to the format of the film: Miles tells much of his own life, but it is read by another person, from Davis’s autobiography. Holes are filled in by narration and many superb interviews, with old friends, lovers, and bandmates — including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Carlos Santana, and Quincy Jones.
I was surprised how often I laughed aloud. One of his several ex-wives, Frances Taylor, has an extremely positive self-image that is infectious. So many people’s recollections are hilarious. And Miles didn’t take any shit from anybody. Of course it’s not all light-hearted: Racism is a recurring theme and so are drugs. And Miles could be cruel.
Recently, I saw the Leonard Cohen documentary, and there are some definite parallels. Both men had comfortable upbringings, and had trouble sticking with any one woman. But there is a key difference: Miles was obsessed with music from the very start. It was his constant companion, often his only way to truly express himself. As he grew as a person, the music matured as well. He and the trumpet were one.
If you love music, I urge you to see this film. I was giddy upon exiting the theater, discussing it with strangers. For what it sets out to do, Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool is perfection.
I concur about the film. Rarely is an artist’s turmoil so entertaining (well, Miles did manage to turn adversity into art). One spoiler: loved when the legendary Archie Shepp recalled asking if he could sit in with Miles, and Miles angrily replied, “Fuck off.” The only disappointment was the absence of any mention of two of my favorite Miles albums: In a Silent Way and Jack Johnson. But not to carp—as Mr. Salt proclaims, it’s a great film, thoroughly compelling, with no lulls. And the soundtrack is heavenly.
If you liked this, I think you’ll also love Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes. Lame-ish title, but really excellent film about music, jazz, and the people who play(ed), record(ed), and love(d) it.