So What - Miles Davis
"So What" is a classic jazz composition by legendary trumpeter Miles Davis. The track is featured on his seminal album "Kind of Blue," released in 1959. The song is known for its iconic modal jazz style, which was a departure from the traditional chord-based approach to jazz at the time. The composition of "So What" is based on a simple 16-bar blues structure, with a distinctive AABA form. The song features two main sections, the A section in D Dorian mode and the B section in Eb Dorian mode. The modal approach to the composition allows for a more open and free-flowing improvisational style, giving the musicians more room to explore melodic and harmonic ideas. The track opens with a memorable bass line played by Paul Chambers, which sets the groove for the rest of the band. Miles Davis then enters with his cool and understated trumpet solo, followed by a solo from John Coltrane on the tenor saxophone. The interplay between the musicians is subtle yet dynamic, with each member of the band contributing to the overall sound and atmosphere of the piece. One notable fact about "So What" is that it features one of the most famous trumpet solos in jazz history, played by Miles Davis himself. His lyrical and melodic playing style, combined with his innovative use of space and phrasing, has made this solo a favorite among jazz fans and musicians alike. Overall, "So What" is a timeless jazz standard that showcases the genius of Miles Davis and his band. Its modal approach, memorable melody, and iconic solos have solidified its place as one of the greatest jazz compositions of all time.
Miles Davis
Miles Davis was a legendary American jazz musician, composer, and bandleader who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music. Born on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois, Davis grew up in a middle-class African American family in East St. Louis. He began playing the trumpet at a young age and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Davis moved to New York City in 1944 to attend the Juilliard School of Music, but he soon dropped out to pursue a career in jazz. He quickly made a name for himself in the jazz scene, playing with some of the most renowned musicians of the time, including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. In the 1950s, Davis formed his own quintet, which became one of the most innovative and influential groups in jazz history. His 1959 album "Kind of Blue" is considered one of the greatest jazz albums of all time and is credited with revolutionizing the genre. Davis continued to push boundaries and experiment with different styles throughout his career, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and electronic music into his sound. Davis was also known for his distinctive trumpet playing style, characterized by his muted, lyrical sound and innovative use of space and silence. He was a master of improvisation, often creating complex and innovative solos on the spot. Throughout his career, Davis won numerous awards, including nine Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and received a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation in 2007. Davis's impact on music cannot be overstated. He helped to popularize jazz as a mainstream genre and influenced countless musicians across a wide range of genres, from rock to hip-hop. His willingness to take risks and experiment with new sounds continues to inspire musicians to this day, and his legacy as a true innovator in the world of music is firmly cemented. Miles Davis passed away on September 28, 1991, but his music lives on as a testament to his talent and vision.