The genius of trumpeter Miles Davis will be resounded and echoed April 30, when International Jazz Day heralds one of the greatest musicians of the genre.
Although many of his compositions will recall the legacy of the 20th century jazz legend, a tribute to his greatness will be marked by a photo exhibition featuring some of his collaborative paintings with Jo Gilbert which he painted during the final years of his life.
There will be networking opportunities, music and a panel discussion moderated by jazz radio station WBGO’ Sheila Anderson.
The discussion will feature Miles’s biographer Quincy Troupe, drummer and Miles collaborator Jimmy Cobb as well as Miles’ protégé Wallace Roney.
Davis died of pneumonia and a stroke at age 65, on Sept. 28, 1991. Acclaimed and revered for his innovative be-bop, cool jazz, hard-bop, modal jazz, jazz-rock, jazz-funk and blues-infused compositions, throughout his career he incorporated pop, flamenco, classical music, rock, Arab music and Indian music to uniquely distinguish himself from other jazz performers.
He was also a trailblazer in introducing burgeoning musicians who also proved innovative in their renditions and music styling. In addition to being a musician he was also a bandleader.
Some of Davis’ most outstanding works include “Bitches Brew,” “Miles Smiles,” “Walkin,” “Milestones,” “Miles Ahead,” “Porgy & Bess,” “Miles In The Sky,” “Tutu,” “Music From Siesta,” “The Man With The Horn” and a myriad of other compositions.
He performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, the JVC Jazz Festival and was the most appealing musician to annually perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. As a matter of fact, on the night he was billed, the national television station there broadcasted his live performances without commercial interruption. In 2006, Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which recognized him as “one of the key figures in the history of jazz.”
Most of all, Davis epitomized cool, hip and cutting edge.
Davis married and divorced three times. His wives included dancer Frances Taylor, singer Betty Mabry and actress Cicely Tyson.
The event is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Dwyer Cultural Center, 258 Saint Nicholas Ave. (135th St.)
For more detailed information, log onto www.dwyer
