Miles Davis - Porgy & Bess (1959)
Porgy and Bess; Miles Davis; 1959
Published in 1925, Porgy a novel by Dubose Heyward tells the story of a crippled beggar from the black shanties of Charlestown.
It was adapted to theatre by his wife Dorothy.
Porgy and Bess; it’s operatic adaptation by George Ghershwin was produced in 1935 - is an American classic.
The play continues to be controversial given its southern white author and white composer. It’s seen as great writing - as well as a stereotyping of a racially segregated black community. The debates around it continue.
An extraordinary collaboration between Miles Davis and Gil Evans turned this into a Jazz classic for ages.
For the initiated the very first bars tells you that Evans is at work here. His insight into the composition combined with Miles’ genius results in what is an orchestral piece often played with the immediacy of small band jazz. Something that this team is somehow always able to achieve.
This is beautiful music. I have played this record over and over for hours; discovering new detail and nuance every time.
Also read: My Favourite things: How a popular musical became the gateway for jazz
John Coltrane's journey from world war II to free jazz pioneer
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